Meet Madison Simon | CHD advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Madison Simon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madison, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Miami, Florida, and I come from a very unique and challenging medical background. I was born with a complex congenital heart defect called truncus arteriosus and have undergone 12 heart surgeries throughout my life. Being a heart warrior has shaped everything about who I am — from my resilience to my purpose.

Growing up with a condition that constantly tested my strength, I learned early on to find power in vulnerability and hope in adversity. My upbringing wasn’t like most kids’. Hospitals were a second home, and nurses and doctors were my biggest heroes. That’s a huge part of why I’m now studying nursing — I want to become a pediatric cardiac ICU nurse and give back to the very community that helped keep me alive.

My experiences also led me to create Heart Felt Rhythms, a platform that raises awareness for congenital heart defects, supports affected families, and raises funds for causes like Make-A-Wish and children’s hospitals. My background taught me compassion, advocacy, and the importance of using my voice — especially for those who can’t always speak up for themselves.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is deeply personal because it’s rooted in my own survival. I was born with truncus arteriosus, a rare congenital heart defect, and I’ve survived 12 heart surgeries. That experience has shaped every part of who I am — and it’s also what sets me apart. I’m not just telling a story; I’m living proof of the strength, scars, and resilience behind it.

I’m currently a nursing student pursuing my dream of becoming a pediatric cardiac ICU nurse, with the goal of giving other CHD warriors the same compassionate care I received. I also founded Heart Felt Rhythms, a platform focused on CHD awareness, patient advocacy, and storytelling. Through my advocacy, I’ve partnered with organizations like Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, the Brady Hunter Foundation, and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida to uplift and support heart families and create spaces where kids with scars feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

One of the projects I’m most excited about is the children’s book I’m writing, inspired by my own journey. It features a young girl with a heart scar and a therapy dog named Mako, based on my late husky. The book is all about turning differences into superpowers, and I hope it helps children with medical challenges embrace their worth.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced not just physical pain and surgeries, but emotional hurdles like body dysmorphia and mental health struggles tied to growing up with a visible scar. But each setback taught me that healing isn’t just medical — it’s emotional, spiritual, and communal. My biggest lesson? Your pain can become your platform. Your story doesn’t disqualify you — it qualifies you to speak, serve, and lead.

What I want the world to know is this: I don’t want to be known for surviving. I want to be known for how I turned my survival into impact. My brand and story are about hope, heart, and helping others find power in their pain. I’m just getting started — and I’m bringing a whole community with me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Miami for a week, I’d make sure they got the full experience — a mix of iconic sights, hidden gems, and moments that reflect the heart of the city. We’d start in Wynwood, grabbing donuts from The Salty Donut before exploring the murals and grabbing tacos from Coyo Taco. Of course, no trip to Miami is complete without a beach day in South Beach, followed by rooftop drinks at The Citadel or Sugar in Brickell. For a more peaceful, nature-filled day, we’d visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, unwind at The Standard Spa, and end the evening with dinner under the lights at Mandolin Aegean Bistro.

I’d also take them to see Nicklaus Children’s Hospital — where my story began — and share the meaningful side of Miami that shaped me. We’d brunch at Greenstreet in Coconut Grove, paddleboard in Key Biscayne, visit Pérez Art Museum and the Frost Science Museum, and maybe even take an airboat ride through the Everglades. I’d make sure we spent time giving back too, whether volunteering or visiting a local hospital, because that’s part of who I am. And every night would end with a beach sunset, deep talks, and the kind of memories you never forget. Miami isn’t just where I’m from — it’s where my heart beats loudest.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people and groups who deserve credit for where I am today, but if I had to choose, my biggest shoutout would go to my medical team at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, especially the pediatric cardiac ICU nurses who quite literally helped me survive — and inspired me to pursue nursing myself. They were more than just healthcare providers; they were family during my hardest moments, and their compassion taught me what it means to care deeply and serve others with purpose.

I also want to give credit to my family, especially my dad — being the daughter of a police officer, I’ve always admired his strength and protection, even when life felt uncertain. And my mom and siblings have been there through every hospital stay, every surgery, and every triumph. I’m also incredibly thankful to Bleeding Blue for embracing my family and me as part of their own. Their support has meant the world to us, and I’m so honored to be sponsored by such a genuine and empowering organization that truly stands by their values.

The Brady Hunter Foundation and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida have also been pivotal in my journey. I’m incredibly grateful for their partnership and belief in my mission, especially Richard Kelly, who gave me the opportunity to come on the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida podcast and share my story. That experience meant so much to me and helped amplify my voice as an advocate for CHD warriors everywhere.

Lastly, I want to give a huge shoutout to my pageant family — this sisterhood has been one of the most empowering forces in my life. From the constant encouragement to the inspiration they give me daily, I’m thankful beyond words. Special recognition goes to Anjani Sharma, Natasha Conti, and Taylor Fulford — your mentorship, friendship, and leadership have shaped the woman I’m becoming both on and off the stage.

Instagram: https://madii.siimon

Facebook: Madison simon

Image Credits
ByKabdul
Simon Soong