Who we are
On March 23, 2020, Kids Place lost our beloved pediatric physical therapist Mariah Devries to cancer. Mariah joined Kids Place West in January 2018 after graduating from Northern Arizona University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She quickly became a favorite among her many pediatric patients and coworkers. Mariah married the love of her life, Brian, in 2017, and the two found out they were pregnant with their first child in 2019. Toward the end of her pregnancy, Mariah learned she had an aggressive form of cancer called epithelioid angiosarcoma that had already spread to her liver, ovaries, rib cage, spine, and brain.
At 26 years old, Mariah became a new mother, giving birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl, Clara, on January 19, 2020. At a time when new mothers should be bonding, nursing, and taking care of their infant, Mariah fought for her life and more time. We still struggle every day to learn how to live on Earth without her but take comfort knowing Mariah’s legacy will live on forever through her family, her beautiful daughter Clara, and the countless friends, coworkers, people, and children she touched in her short time.
Meeting the incredible people who founded Mariah’s Miracles is truly inspiring. Their passion and dedication to helping families facing medical hardships stem from a deeply personal place, driving them to create a foundation that offers hope and support to those in need. Hearing their stories, learning about their vision, and witnessing their unwavering commitment reminds us that small acts of kindness can lead to life-changing impacts. Their work has touched countless lives, and their determination to carry on Mariah’s legacy is a testament to the power of compassion and community.
Meet Sharon McGarvey (Mariah’s mom) Mariah’s Miracle serves as a legacy for our daughter, Mariah McGarvey DeVries, in two important ways:
First, its mission is to better the lives of children, which was also Mariah’s mission. Her faith was always very important to her and she lived her life serving children. Even as a child, she requested “Toys for Tots” themes for her birthday parties so that she could donate to the West Valley Child Crisis Center, and she frequently donated any money she had to charities - including buying a goat for a family through World Vision. She volunteered at Foster Camps, CCV Child Ministries, GCU Canyon Kids, mission trips to Kenya and Honduras, Big Brothers Big Sisters, etc. Most recently, she worked as a pediatric Physical Therapist in Goodyear, AZ.
Secondly, the name (Miracle) is a reference to her daughter Clara, who was conceived and carried to nearly full term under incredible odds, and she is perfect. Clara will always hear stories about the kind of person her Momma Mariah was and how much she loved children. Through Mariah’s Miracle, Clara will also be able to witness the on-going impact of Mariah’s life and understand how special she was.
Just as Mariah was blessed to work at AZOPT, we are now blessed to work with the same people to continue Mariah’s legacy. It has been very rewarding to help Arizona families in need!
Meet Teri Roberts Founder of Mariahs Miracle- Through a heartbreaking tragedy, we were able to create a foundation that honors Mariah so beautifully. It has been one of my proudest accomplishments of my lifetime and I know that Mariah is looking down from heaven thrilled with how we have continued her legacy. Non-profit work is challenging, and Mariah is missed daily, however, I feel so blessed that we are able to make miracles happen in her name!
Want to get involved!
Volunteering for Mariah’s Miracle is a meaningful way to support families facing medical hardships. Whether helping at events like the Cornhole or Golf tournaments, assisting with fundraising initiatives, or contributing behind the scenes with social media, outreach, or administrative tasks, every volunteer plays a crucial role. Your time and dedication help us raise funds and awareness to provide grants to those in need. By joining our team, you’ll become part of a compassionate and motivated community working together to make a lasting impact. Volunteering with Mariah’s Miracle is more than just giving back—it’s about being part of something that truly changes lives.
