ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital unveiled its new ad campaign earlier this summer and it has a St. Pete girl stepping into the spotlight and taking top billing.           

"She's committed to improving herself. She is the model child we want to use here at All Children's," said Dr. George Jallo, the Physician in Chief at All Children’s about Mahi Patel.

What You Need To Know

  •  Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital selected Mahi Patel in their new ad campaign

  •  Mahi, who was diagnosed at a young age with cerebral palsy, has been a patient at the hospital

  •  The campaign tells the story of Mahi's dream of becoming a doctor

In July, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital started showing off their new 'face of the brand.'

Mahi Patel is an exceptional young child.

She is facing challenges and persevering.

She was born premature, spent 45 days in the neonatal intensive care unit due to complications from her birth because her parents had been involved in a car accident.

At 8 months old, doctors diagnosed Mahi with cerebral palsy.

She has been fighting ever since and her doctor explained why she is the perfect fit to represent the hospital.

“The determination, the energy, the passion, and the all-around commitment to being a child and doing the best that she could each and every day,” said Dr. Jallo. “When I look at that campaign, it does not hurt that she wants to become a doctor. I do not think we could’ve asked for a better what I would call a role model.”

The campaign Dr. Jallo is talking about features Mahi telling her dreams of becoming a doctor.

Spectrum News caught up with Mahi and her parents at Riviera Bay Park in St. Petersburg recently to talk about the ad campaign.

As we found out, Mahi is always moving forward, despite the challenges.

She told us about a message she has for other kids facing adversity.

“I got better, and they got better,” Mahi said. “Try hard and keep pushing. I have faith in you.”

You might notice her while driving through downtown St. Petersburg now.

Her image is featured prominently in a billboard for the hospital.

Mahi’s father, Bhavin, said her determination is inspiring others.

“She has undergone so many extensive therapies, long hours of exercise at home as well, “ Bhavin Patel said. “I would say that without her determination this would not have been possible.”

Mahi is also featured in the hospital’s newest TV and digital ads.

“I think it was nice,” said Mahi about the honor of getting selected as brand ambassador.

While Mahi is more than happy to help the hospital, her father says participating was another step in the right direction in Mahi’s health care journey.

“The first thought that came in my mind was…let’s do this because whatever help that we got, we want to inspire others,” said Bhavin. “This was probably the way to show others not to give up and just keep going.”

Mahi’s mantra, like the ad campaign says, is moving forward for all children.