Written by: Bailey Hemphill
Young Hero: Mallory Bultsma
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allory Bultsma, 6, is a 1st grader at Pine Creek Elementary in Bennington. Although Mallory is an only child, her mom, Kim, says the family’s two cocker spaniels, Ike and Daisy, are practically her siblings. “They are our other children. Mallory loves her puppies—her ‘boy dog’ and her ‘Daisy dog.’” Above all of the wonderful traits her daughter has, Kim believes Mallory is very brave. Mallory has had two kidney transplants in the last four years—her first at age 2 and her second in August of this year. “She doesn’t remember anything about her first transplant, but she does remember this transplant and the dialysis she had over the summer,” says Kim. “[She] goes in for lab draws twice a week, takes many pills, and has to drink 50-60 ounces of fluid every day.” Kim believes that what makes her daughter a hero is that she does this all while trying to be a normal kid. “Some adults have a hard time keeping up with all of their pills, meds, and life…but Mallory does it with minimal complaint. She participates in activities at school, is in her fourth year of dance, and is taking piano lessons. She doesn’t let what she can’t do get in the way of all the things she can do!” While Mallory can’t play full-contact sports, swim in lakes or rivers, or play normally with other kids, she doesn’t let that get her down. She likes to focus on the things she can do, like dance and run. “We help her live as normally as possible, and I think that her attitude toward life is great, all things considered,” adds Kim.
Kim thinks that her daughter is a good role model for other kids because she is caring and friendly toward everyone she meets. “She understands that everyone is unique, but what makes people unique isn’t a reason to not treat them all with equal courtesy and respect.” Because Mallory has such a happy disposition even though she’s been through so much over the last six years, she’s always on the go and doesn’t let anything stop her. In fact, that’s the exact reason why she inspires Kim. “Whenever I start to feel down, I remember that nothing I feel could ever compare to what she’s gone through in her first six years of life. She has so much to look forward to, and [she has] the potential for awesomeness.”
familySPECTRUM
Family Spectrum and Omaha Storm Chasers would like to honor your Young Hero. Send nominations to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com. • readonlinenow.com December 2012 • • • •
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