Sarah McNamara Wins Toddler of the Year Competition

The three-year-old from Saint Cloud, who has thanatophoric dysplasia, took the title following a summer voting period.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Toddlers

Bold vector editorial illustration showing colorful wooden toy blocks on a floor, symbolizing growth and celebration for a child. — Sarah McNamara, a three-year-old from Saint Cloud, was named Toddler of the Year on September 4, 2026, following a nationwide voting campaign. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

On September 4, 2026, three-year-old Sarah McNamara was announced as the winner of the annual Toddler of the Year competition. The young resident of Saint Cloud, who lives with thanatophoric dysplasia, secured the title after a nationwide voting process.

Why it matters

The competition serves to raise significant funds for charity while providing financial support for the winner. McNamara will receive a cash prize to assist with her future needs following her challenging medical journey.

McNamara was awarded a $25,000 cash prize after winning the competition, which raised a total of $4.5 million. The contest featured 117,000 entrants, with voting occurring through nine rounds from June 25 to August 20.

The players

Sarah McNamara

She is a three-year-old girl from Saint Cloud who was diagnosed with thanatophoric dysplasia type 1.

Colossal

This is the organization that served as the primary organizer for the annual Toddler of the Year competition.

Hasbro

This is a global play and entertainment company that served as the presenter for the Toddler of the Year contest.

Toys for Tots

This is a foundation program that distributes toys to children and received donations through the competition voting process.

The details

Born two months early, McNamara has thanatophoric dysplasia type 1 and uses a tracheostomy device for breathing. She spent 458 days in a hospital following her birth and is scheduled to be featured in upcoming editions of Taste of Home and Reader's Digest.

June 25, 2026: Voting for the Toddler of the Year competition opened.
August 20, 2026: Voting for the competition closed.
September 4, 2026: Sarah McNamara was announced as the winner.
November 29, 2026: Sarah McNamara will serve as junior grand marshal in the Hollywood Christmas Parade.

Culture Shift

The competition reflects a growing trend of utilizing digital voting platforms to drive massive charitable contributions for children with rare medical conditions. This model allows families to leverage social media reach to raise awareness for specialized healthcare needs on a national stage.

Residents of Saint Cloud can follow McNamara's upcoming national media appearances in publications like Reader's Digest. The prize money will help the family manage ongoing medical requirements associated with her care.

The takeaway

This story highlights how personal challenges can be transformed into broader charitable successes through community-driven initiatives. Supporters of such causes should verify the legitimacy of voting platforms to ensure contributions reach intended organizations.