Jan 06, 2011

Teen's passion for dance helps her cope with congenital heart defect

Madeline Collins was born with a congenital heart defect that required her to have surgery when she was just nine months old, the Bluefield Daily Telegraph reports.

Now 15 years old, she has found a passion for dancing, an activity that doctors never thought would be possible for her. Her childhood was marked by multiple surgeries at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and an inability to play strenuous sports such as soccer, basketball and football.

Now, she has good days and bad days. On good days, she performs on the school dance squad and wins races for her track team. On bad days, she says that her heart beats abnormally and she gets headaches. However, her physical setbacks have not quenched her love for dance.

Madeline said that her desire to take on challenges stems from the sympathy of classmates when they see the large scar on her chest.

"I want to finish out my high school career dancing with no complications. I want to do [my senior solo] gracefully," she told the news source.

According to the University of Iowa, congenital heart defects affect approximately one out every 100 babies.

Silicone ointment may be a good option for individuals who wish to reduce the appearance of their surgical scars.

 

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