| Name of Non-Profit Organization * |
Mad Kicks
|
|---|---|
| Today’s Date: * | Tuesday, September 9, 2025 |
| Organization’s website | http://www.madkicks.org |
| EIN / 501(C)(3)Number * |
87-1632103
|
| What year did your organization receive it’s non-profit status? * |
2021
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| Address * | 
232 Prospect StBellevue, State 41073-1111 United States |
| County * |
State
|
| Point of Contact for Magnified Giving Youth * | Marlene Thies |
| Point of Contact’s Title * |
Marlene Thies
|
| Point of Contact’s Email Address * | marlenegthies@gmail.com |
| Point of Contact’s Phone Number | (859) 653-5151 |
| Executive Director’s Name * |
Founder
|
| What is the mission of your organization? | |
| Mad Kicks Mission: We give free shoes and socks to the patients at the Perlman Center located at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The Center provides therapy to children that have Cerebral Palsy before they enter Kindergarten. My daughter Madison used to be a patient there. Many caregivers of CP patients cannot work because of the level of commitment it takes to care for these beautiful children. In return their kids rarely get new things like shoes and socks. I know from my own experience that shoes for kids with AFOs (leg braces) are expensive. They are also not covered by insurance or Medicaid. We believe all kids deserve a good pair of shoes on their journey to walk. Mad Kicks is an organization that not only provides shoes for kids with Cerebral Palsy but also spreads awareness about this issue. Proper footwear is needed for these kids, and they are deprived of this because of finances or caregivers not knowing what to buy due to being newly diagnosed. Mad Kicks has become well known at the Perlman Center and caregivers rely on our services. |
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| Which social causes (up to 3 choices) does your agency address through its programming? * |
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| Any comments about your selections you would like to share with the student philanthropists? | |
| Mad Kicks Successes: Since inception 4 years ago we have been able to give shoes and socks to every kid at the Perlman Center at the main hospital and Mason campus. That is around 500 pairs! A few years ago, we were able to open Mad Kicks Stores at both Perlman locations. This helps kids that are new to the program shop for shoes right after they get their first pair of AFOs. The experience is fun for the kids and can mimic going to a store and picking out shoes. This is also great for caregivers because they do not have to worry about finding shoes for their child, as well as the cost of buying them. Mad Kicks Satellite Stores: Over the past few years we opened multiple Mad Kicks stores throughout the tristate area. They are located at the Green Township and Crestview Hills satellite physical therapy offices, affiliated with Children’s Hospital. Children of all ages that receive PT, and in need, can get a new pair of shoes to fit over their AFOs. The program has been deemed a huge success, and we have given over 300 shoes to Mad Kicks stores!
Madison’s Story: Madison was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) just shy of 2. I was admitted to the hospital at 32 weeks gestation because of a ruptured amniotic sac. I soon learned that my girl was in danger, and we remained there till her birth at 34 weeks. Because of her prematurity we soon found out that she had a white matter injury to her brain. This is common with premature babies and can cause neurological complications. In Madison’s case it affected her ability to walk. A few years ago, Madison received a surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy. A team of Neurosurgeons cut 65% of the nerves that are firing signals from her brain to her legs, causing them to tighten. The tricky part is they could not cut all the cords because there would not be a path for signals to travel from her brain to her legs. For that reason, she will always have tightness in her muscles and will need physical therapy, minor surgeries and medication for her entire life. Even with this outcome I have to say we are lucky, she can walk with assistance. I will never forget the moment after surgery when she could sit up straight for the first time or lay on her belly. It was truly a miracle. Even with her disability she has a full schedule of activities. She attends horse therapy at Milestones, “CB Moves” at Cincinnati Ballet, and is a Flyer on the Kentucky Royal Elite Cheerabilites Competition Squad. In her free time she takes ukelele lessons at Heartseed Music Studio. She also regularly attends Catholic School and is learning about God. It is uncommon for a child with a disability like hers to go to a private school, so we are thankful for St. Therese to accommodate her. It is important to my husband and I that she is with her siblings and learns about her catholic faith. She also loves making up dances, dressing her dolls and swimming. I can see her strength and know she will walk one day without assistance. We are in this journey together and will fight her disability with everything we have. She will live her best life, Madison’s version! I still cannot believe God has gifted me this beautiful girl, and I plan on carrying on his mission through my nonprofit. Marlene Thies, Founder & Mommy to 3 beautiful kids |
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| Does your organization have volunteer opportunities available for students? * |
No, sorry.
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| Student Connection Preference (click all that apply): * |
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