Name: Madison
Diagnosis: acute myeloid leukemia
Home state: Virginia
Nine-year-old Madison thought she had a bad case of strep throat, but after her doctors did blood work, the situation turned dire.
“They (the doctors) explained to me that I had leukemia,” said Madison. “I had a mass in my stomach that was really big.”
Soon after, Madison and her mom flew to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in a medical plane so that the young girl could immediately start chemotherapy treatments.
Chemotherapy is not easy to endure, but Madison kept a positive outlook on her situation. “St. Jude is a very good place to be if you have cancer,” said Madison. “I really like St. Jude and all the doctors and nurses here. They helped me get better – and they help a lot of other kids get better.”
Madison’s parents are also grateful that their daughter is once again feeling strong and healthy. “St. Jude has given our child’s health back,” said Debbie, Madison’s mother. “I never thought I would have to be here. I would turn off those St. Jude commercials and think, ‘I don’t want to see that.’ And now we’re here. You never know when it’s going to be you.”
Ten-year-old Madison, who enjoys dancing, swimming and gymnastics, completed her treatment in the summer of 2004 and returns to St. Jude on a regular basis for check ups.
