'I’m proud to be from Oklahoma': An OKC bombing survivor’s quest to serve her community in healthcare

Becoming a doctor takes a passion for helping people. One Oklahoma Children’s Hospital pediatric resident has a special connection with the community. 

Madison Naylor survived one of Oklahoma’s darkest days 30 years ago. She was inside the downtown YMCA daycare when the Murrah Bombing changed Oklahoma and the country forever. She survived and spent three decades preparing herself to serve the community that saved her life.  

“It’s been kind of a long journey,” Naylor said. “It’s been going great.” 

Naylor’s passion for healthcare runs deep. She always knew she wanted to help people. 

“I get to do kind of the fun stuff. I'll get to see all ages from newborn babies all the way up to our big teenagers,” Naylor said. “I grew up with people that were in medicine. They seemed to love what they did.” 

Her parents, Carla Naylor and Mark Naylor, worked at OU Health. Mark was a dermatologist, and Carla worked at the OU College of Pharmacy. They remember April 19, 1995, when 168 people lost their lives in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing in downtown OKC. 

“Just completely took everyone by surprise,” Naylor said. “It’s just been kind of a part of my story.” 

Madison was inside the YMCA daycare right across the street.  

“They were handing babies to strangers to try to get them over all this broken glass,” Mark Naylor said. 

Madison doesn’t remember it – but she feels it. 

“Yeah – can't believe it’s been thirty years,” Naylor said. 

Naylor’s dad reflected on that day and what it meant for communities nationwide. 

“It actually brought the nation closer together,” Mark Naylor said. 

While healing began, Madison continued to grow into an example. As a survivor, she wants to live her life with purpose - her life as a future pediatrician. 

“Like a sense of responsibility almost,” she said. “I really just fell in love with the population, and some of the really cool things that we get to see, and the relationships you get to build with the families and the kiddos.” 

Naylor’s mom said Madison is living “the Oklahoma Standard.” 

“We are super proud of her, you know,” Carla Naylor said. 

The young child who survived became the adult who serves. Naylor plans to practice medicine in Oklahoma City once her residency is done and said it’s a great honor to help Oklahoma children live healthy lives. 

“I’m very proud to be from Oklahoma and Oklahoma City specifically,” Naylor said. “I just really want to use my very small contribution to make Oklahoma City a better place.”