These 2 Granite Staters Are Bringing Joy To Other Children During Their Hospital Stays

Levi Goodan and Maurgan McGrath know firsthand how lonely a hospital stay can be for a child.

Maurgan was born with a prenatal condition known as malrotation, which meant that she underwent many childhood surgeries and hospital stays at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD). Levi was also treated at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth for multiple broken bones over the course of one year when he was eight.

Since those experiences, both Levi and Maurgan have been inspired to raise money and collect donations to help make other children more comfortable during their visits to CHaD.

Levi was inspired by his late grandfather’s stories about being treated for polio at the Boston Children’s Hospital. His grandfather would often encourage Levi to stay strong, hopeful, and positive in the face of his treatment. After his experience, Levi decided to donate his birthday and Christmas presents to CHaD, in hopes of lifting the spirit of another kid. Levi has continued to donate to CHaD and especially enjoys when he’s able to donate Legos, fidget spinners, Play-Doh, and small project kits.

Levi Goodan (left); Levi Goodan with his grandfather (right)

Maurgan, a senior at Hopkinton High, started “Maurgan’s Virtual Pajama Party,” in November. Donors can choose specific items to donate, like books, games, and pajamas, or they can give money. Maurgan hopes that her contribution to CHaD will help alleviate loneliness — something that she knows all too well can be caused by a hospital stay.

Maurgan and Levi exemplify the Granite State spirit. Their commitment to helping other children navigate the often lonely, scary world of hospital visits is inspiring, as well as their dedication to bringing joy to those facing challenges similar to their own.

I am honored to name them as Granite Staters of the Month, and I know that they will continue to make a positive difference in their communities for years to come.

Do you know a Granite Stater who should be next month’s Granite Stater of the Month? Nominate them here.