Arizona Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Kids Place (AzOPT) is a pediatric therapy clinic in the West Valley that enhances children’s lives through occupational, speech, and physical therapy. (AzOPT.net/kidsplace)
Many of the children have special medical needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that of the 18% of children across the country with special medical needs, one in four has functional limitations requiring medical equipment like wheelchairs, medical beds, van modifications, cranial helmets, and more. Often, families wait up to a year to know if their insurance will cover the additional costs, often to be denied.
To address this issue and extend the helping hand that can make a difference in the development of these children, Mariah’s Miracle (MariahsMiracle.org) was co-founded in 2020 by AzOPT owner Teri Roberts and Sharon McGarvey.
A Crusader for Children
Roberts and McGarvey founded Mariah's Miracle to carry on the work of Mariah DeVries, who, shortly after the birth of her daughter, Clara, lost her battle with an aggressive cancer at age 26. DeVries worked with Roberts at Kids Place West and was McGarvey's daughter.
DeVries, who held a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University, was a tireless worker who would not accept that the kids she worked with often could not get the equipment they needed for therapy or to improve their quality of life, especially in cases where early intervention could have life-changing effects.
DeVries worked to lift some of the burden for children and their families by writing letters, helping to fill out insurance paperwork, and acting as an advocate.
A Long-Time Dream Becomes Reality
Roberts explains that before DeVries' cancer diagnosis, the two were already brainstorming ways to help families and kids get the financial assistance they needed. It seemed appropriate to form Mariah's Miracle to honor DeVries.
Since its founding, through events and community donations, Mariah’s Miracle has raised over $250,000 and helped 47 children, giving them a quality of life that could have been lost without the additional funds.
How Mariah's Miracle Helps West Valley Children
Mariah’s Miracle not only helps children with their physical development but also allows them to find their independence and joy so they can live to their maximum potential.
Recent projects have included modifying a wheelchair, providing cranial helmets, augmentative communication devices, and an adaptive handcycle. The organization also provides aid to offset costly medical bills while overseeing the process of ordering medical equipment, taking the guesswork away from families and parents who need that support. Any family in Arizona can apply for assistance.
Getting Involved in Mariah's Miracle
The organization is run entirely by volunteers, including DeVries' mother, McGarvey, who is Vice-President and Treasurer. McGarvey emphasized that the West Valley community has been instrumental in Mariah’s Miracle's success. Despite her daughter's tragic death, she is enthusiastic about the organization's growth and the realization of her daughter’s dream.
Fundraising events include an annual 5K run, cornhole tournament, and pancake breakfast. In November 2024, Mariah’s Miracle will host the first annual Golf Tournament at Pueblo El Mirage Golf Course.
Roberts wants community members outside AzOPT to become a part of Mariah’s Miracle.
Assistance with event planning, marketing, and community outreach are just a few areas where the non-profit would welcome assistance. As the organization grows, community assistance will ensure that Mariah’s Miracle's vision to “help everyone” is realized.
LEARN MORE: Mariah's Miracle, founded to honor Mariah DeVries, is helping Arizona kids one at a time by providing children with equipment or therapy services that insurance does not otherwise provide.
MariahsMiracle.org | @MariahsMiracle_
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to live a full life. Our vision is that every Arizona child receives the services and resources critical to this.