PUNTA GORDA — When Madeline “Maddy” Atanacio was born, she weighed a mere 1 pound, 11 ounces. She survived the ordeal but, sadly, her twin sister Emily did not — she died several days later. Because of this, the Vineland Elementary School student is a staunch advocate for micro-preemie hats for Neonatal Intensive Care Units in area hospitals for premature babies.

Her “unusual start in life,” Punta Gorda Master Police Officer Larry Schrader said, has encouraged her to do “everything in her power to help others.”