Story
About Madonna Miracle Night Ambassadors
Madonna Miracle Night Ambassadors bring to life the transformative power of Madonna’s world-class rehabilitation care. As former patients, they share their inspiring journeys of resilience, recovery and renewed hope while raising funds for advanced technology that helps other patients return to the activities and people they love.
Annie's Story: From Critical Illness to Hope
Annie Sova’s life changed on Father’s Day in June 2025, when severe abdominal pain led to emergency surgery for a volvulus, a twisting of the large intestine. Complications caused multiple-organ failure, requiring a ventilator and dialysis. After eight weeks at Methodist Health System, Annie arrived at Madonna critically ill and facing a long road to recovery.
At Madonna, an interdisciplinary team provided intensive medical care while gradually increasing therapy to rebuild Annie’s strength. She eventually weaned from the ventilator, regained kidney function and no longer needed dialysis. As her condition improved, she transitioned to more intensive rehabilitation focused on strength, confidence and independence.
After returning home, Annie continued therapy through Madonna’s rehabilitation day program, working toward everyday goals such as caring for her twin boys, volunteering and driving. Using Madonna’s driving simulator and participating in community outings helped her rebuild confidence and prepare to resume daily activities.
Today, Annie has returned to full-time motherhood and volunteers with the Ronald McDonald House and Madonna Foundation. She hopes to help others facing complex medical challenges.
I’ve gone from a ventilator, trach and dialysis to attending a Creighton game and church with my family. I never imagined that would be possible. I feel stronger and more confident. Madonna didn’t just give me therapy. They gave me hope. - Annie
Together, We Can Make More Possible
Every patient’s recovery journey is unique. Advanced rehabilitation technology can help open doors to new possibilities. This year, Madonna Miracle Night Ambassadors are raising funds for Burt®, a robotic therapy device that helps patients improve arm and upper-body movement.
Give Now to help Madonna patients return to the activities and people they love. Your support means so much.