Sick children are finding happiness in these hand-painted shoes... and it’s pretty amazing
This is such a wonderful story and a fabulous initiative.
Madison Steiner is the founder of Peach’s Neet Feet, a mission set up to help celebrate children who are fighting cancer or living with a disability.
A movement of pay it forward initiatives and selfless acts of giving, Madison uses art to create one-of-a-kind, hand-painted shoes, that allow kids be recognised for who they are beyond their disability.
Madison set up her initiative at the age of 20 when she wasn't in a financial position to helps others, and decided to use her creativity instead.
According to her website: "[Madision] has learned that these are more than just a pair of shoes but that the shoes help create awareness for these children, each brush stroke filled with inspiration and hope.
"The shoes allow a child to be recognised for who they are beyond their diagnosis or disability and are a gateway, connecting people from all over the world."
At the moment, Madison has 40 artists across the country volunteering their time to paint shoes, including her brother Corey, and they all work in creative collaboration with the child.
"My hope is that when a child receives a pair of shoes, they feel that they are valued. I hope they feel their journey is recognised and that they feel celebrated beyond their diagnosis or adversity," she explained to Babble.
"The shoes are free for the children, and all that’s asked in return is to pay it forward with another act of kindness. This is how to 'hustle kindness'."
What started out in a young woman's bedroom, has gone on to help hundreds of kids be themselves while facing one of their toughest battles, and parents, who have to watch as the child they love so dearly fights their biggest fight.
“Sometimes some of the greatest blessings come in cute small packages, like that of a toddler size 7 shoe box."
You can find out more here: Peach's Neet Feet.