Miracle Night for Madonna
Miracle Night for Madonna, the hospitals’ annual gala, will be held on Friday, December 4, 2026 at the View at West Shores in Waterloo and will be chaired by Nick and Melanie Wilwerding, with Rich and Lanelle Herink as the Honorary Chairs.
This year’s in-person extravaganza includes a live auction, raffle, wine pull and Technology Showcase, all raising critical funds for cutting-edge technology that helps Madonna patients achieve greater independence and recovery outcomes. A silent auction will also be available online, allowing supporters across the country to participate and bid from wherever they are.
Can’t Attend in Person?
You can still be part of Miracle Night by purchasing a Virtual Ticket. Simply visit the ticket purchasing page and select “Virtual Ticket” to gain access to the online silent auction and purchase raffle tickets.
Silent Auction
Support Madonna from anywhere by bidding on an exciting collection of auction packages, experiences and unique items. The online silent auction extends the reach of Miracle Night nationwide, giving friends and supporters the opportunity to participate regardless of location.
*2026 Silent Auction Items to be announced November 23*
Raffle: Win an Unforgettable Las Vegas Getaway
Raffle tickets are $100 each for the chance to win an incredible Las Vegas experience, including:
• Two tickets to a show of your choice at Sphere Las Vegas*
• A two-night stay at a 4-star hotel on the iconic Las Vegas Strip*
• A $600 gift card to help cover travel expenses
Some experiences don’t just entertain; they completely transport you. In the heart of Las Vegas, you’ll step inside Sphere Las Vegas, a venue so immersive it redefines what a night out can be. Paired with a stay on the world-famous Strip, this prize package offers an unforgettable escape.
Winner need not be present to win. Raffle tickets may be purchased with cash, or debit card only. If purchased online, your email receipt is proof of your raffle ticket purchase, and a Madonna representative will complete your ticket stub(s) and enter them in the drawing.
*Restrictions and availability may apply, *
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.
View the ambassador stories below and donate to support life-changing technology for Madonna patients.
A Strong Support System Fuels Recovery
At 23, Elias Heppler began a long recovery after suffering a brain injury in a car crash. After eight weeks of critical care at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, he transferred to Madonna, unable to walk or speak. With specialized care and an intensive rehabilitation plan, Elias began making progress through physical, occupational and speech therapies.
His family’s constant support played a key role in his recovery. His mother, Heidi, documented his journey through photos, videos and a journal, while family and friends encouraged him throughout therapy.
His care team also incorporated his artistic interests into treatment, helping him regain the strength and coordination needed to make jewelry. Therapy outings to a craft store and a local artists’ studio gave him opportunities to practice everyday activities and reconnect with his creative community.
After 10 weeks at Madonna, Elias returned home to the people and activities he loves, including making jewelry, pottery and paintings. His progress has given his family renewed hope for his future.
Driven by Love for Her Family
Hayley Meseck arrived at Madonna for treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a condition that causes muscle weakness and can lead to paralysis. Despite intensive physical and occupational therapy, her condition worsened, requiring another hospital stay that included 11 days on a ventilator. GBS recovery is often described as a roller coaster, and Hayley’s journey was far from over.
After returning to Madonna, Hayley embraced rehabilitation with renewed determination, focused on getting home to her husband, Colby, and their two children. With the support of her care team and advanced technology, she progressed from struggling to stand to walking independently.
To prepare for her return home, Hayley practiced everyday tasks in Madonna’s simulated home and community environments, while Colby completed caregiver training.
Throughout her months-long recovery, Hayley’s positive attitude inspired her care team and family. Today, she’s back in the roles she treasures most — being a wife and mom.
From Recovery to Running Again
In May 2024, Trent was diagnosed with brain cancer. After spending time in the hospital undergoing treatment and facing complications, he arrived at Madonna facing the challenge of relearning basic skills, including eating, walking and talking.
He had a long road ahead, but Madonna played a significant role in his recovery. With encouragement from his care team, Trent celebrated each milestone, rebuilt his confidence and made remarkable progress.
After returning home in May 2025, Trent has continued to work hard and make incredible progress. He has gone from having to relearn how to walk to being able to walk and run again. He even participated in the Head for the Cure 5K and completed the majority of it on his own.
In May 2026, Trent graduated high school, and his most recent scans have shown no signs of his cancer returning.
Moving Forward with Gratitude
According to Don, “Life is not always fair, but it’s how you bounce back, and Madonna helped me do just that!”
Last Christmas, Don contracted Influenza A and developed a diabetic ulcer that quickly progressed into a severe leg infection and sepsis. On January 8, he made the difficult decision to undergo a below-the-knee amputation of his right leg to stop the infection from spreading.
His rehabilitation included three weeks of inpatient care and two months of outpatient therapy. With the support of his dedicated care team, Don is back behind the wheel of his Tesla — though he jokes, “It sometimes drives me!”
After ten challenging months, he says he is 99% back to normal and has returned to work, walking, swimming and lifting weights. Don, his girlfriend, Holly, and his children, Mick, Mary Cate and Will, are deeply grateful to Madonna for supporting him through this difficult chapter.
With determination and the support of his care team, Don is moving forward with gratitude and a renewed appreciation for life.
Driven by Fatherhood
At 25, Brook Svoboda’s life changed in an instant when he was hit by a car while at work. Facing multiple injuries and an uncertain future, he held on to one powerful motivation: getting back to the life he loved as a husband, employee and soon-to-be dad.
At Madonna, Brook’s rehabilitation was built around what mattered most to him. His care team helped him rebuild his strength, prepare for a return to work and practice the everyday tasks that would help him care for his growing family. After 90 days of non-weight-bearing restrictions, he took his first steps, moving from a wheelchair to a walker and eventually a cane.
With his wife, Alaina, by his side and his care team cheering him on, Brook continued outpatient therapy, determined to be an active, hands-on father.
Today, Brook is living the role he worked so hard to reclaim: being there for his family and embracing the joys of fatherhood.
Grit and Teamwork
At 16, Sean McMahon drew on the grit and determination he developed as an athlete to fuel his recovery from a brain injury.
After developing a headache during a workout and passing out, Sean was diagnosed at Children’s Nebraska with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a tangle of blood vessels that created dangerous pressure in his head.
After two weeks at Children’s, he transferred to Madonna’s specialized pediatric brain injury program for continued care and rehabilitation.
He approached therapy like athletic training, using vision therapy, specialized technology and sports-based exercises to rebuild his balance, coordination and cognitive skills. His perseverance and competitive spirit stood out to his care team.
Now home, Sean is focused on school, sports and time with friends. Though his athletic journey may look different, he remains determined to trust his work ethic and pursue the activities he loves.
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.
Sponsors
We are grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of Miracle Night for Madonna. Your partnership helps advance patient care, innovation and recovery for those we serve every day.
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