Madison's Battle

Released: Thursday, February 3, 2011

Madison’s Battle

by Jennifer Spina

On November 11, 2010 Madison’s battle began.  I will never forget this day, because Madison is my 9 yr. old niece who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  The past few months have been a hard, long journey and she is still battling this relentless disease, much like the breast cancer patients that I work with on a daily basis.  They all have the will to survive and beat the cancer, no matter what type.   

Being affected by cancer so close to home has really humbled me.   I realized that the little worries I have each and every day mean nothing when someone in your family is sick.  All your attention goes to that person.  Maddie having Leukemia has made me better at my position at UBCF.   It has allowed me to more empathetic towards my clients as I now know what they and their families are battling!  Cancer is not only a physical disease, but a very emotional one too.   It affects not just the patient but the family and friends that surround them.    Having family and a friend’s support can allow the patient to heal and know that they have these people in their lives no matter what!

I am happy to report that Maddie is doing very well.  She is responding well to her treatments and is on her way to remission and hopefully cancer free!  We have banned together family and friends to help Maddie along her journey and her parents too!  I encourage you if you know someone or have a family member that is battling cancer to reach out and let them know you are there for them, no matter what!  This emotional support is key to their survival! 

Maddie has a website where friends and family can write to encourage her through her battle.  She tells me she loves to read them because they make her smile!  

Here are a few excerpts of how much support Maddie has been given just over the past few months.

“It's great to hear that you're doing so well, Madison! You remain in our thoughts and prayers - hugs!”

“Maddie,
So glad to hear that you are doing well.  Drew, Stephen and I all saw Tangled and we loved it too.  Drew said that the girl reminded him of YOU!  He is right a beautiful, strong girl! 

Drew and Stephen miss you and they say hi!  We hope to see you this summer, if everything keeps going as well as it has.  We pray every night for you and hope we see you soon.  Love ya lots!
Aunt Jenny  XXXX/OOOO -Jennifer Spina”

“Maddie, dear.  So good to hear that you are feeling better.  My friend who is now completely cancer free after a diagnosis exactly like yours says the treatment is pretty hard but there is the cure at the end.  So hang in there and know we are hanging with you.  love, hugs, and kisses”