Madison Murray was born on September 7, 2010. She lives at home with her older sister and best friend, Gracie (2 years old), her two precocious dogs (Sadie and Sophie) and her loving parents (Mike and Missy). From the time Maddie was born, she has been a constant source of joy for her family. Always smiling and laughing, Maddie was full of joy even when sick with a cold or infection. As her first birthday approached, Maddie was getting ready for her princess party. She was just about to walk and had just started speak her first few words.
The day that changed Maddie’s life forever…
At the end of August, Madison had a persistent low-grade fever for over a week. During that time her mom noticed a decrease in her appetite and numerous bruises, which looked atypical for a little girl of her age. On August 25th, Madison was taken to her pediatrician’s office for what was thought to be routine sick visit. Upon seeing Madison’s bruises and learning about her fevers, the pediatrician ordered several blood tests. As Maddie’s mom waited in the doctor’s office for results, the doctor returned and tearfully told Maddie’s mom the news that her daughter most certainly had Leukemia. At the time of diagnosis, Maddie’s white cell count was incredibly high, she was anemic and was dangerously close to having heart and kidney failure. Madison was a very sick little girl, however those of us who know her were not surprised to hear that she was still smiling despite the gravity of the situation. From the pediatrician’s office, Madison was taken by ambulance to Boston Children’s Hospital where her diagnosis was confirmed and chemotherapy was initiated in the emergency room. Maddie spent the next 6 weeks living at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Maddie’s treatment...
Since Maddie arrived at the hospital on August, 25th, 2011 she has been receiving chemotherapy daily. Maddie receives several forms of chemo, some of which have few side effects, others have several painful side effects. During the heavy phases of chemo, Maddie experiences terrible pain from the open sores in her mouth and throat. She has great difficulty eating, sleeping and remaining comfortable. Maddie is given a number of medications to help ease the stress and pain of chemotherapy. During these difficult times, it is hard for Maddie to muster her usual smile but she has a strong constitution and you can see her fighting to remain the active little baby she has always been. Maddie is expected to spend at least 4-6 months in the hospital with intermittent opportunities to visit home depending on her health. When Maddie does visit home, she continues to receive chemotherapy through daily nursing visits and trips to the oncology clinic at Children’s . Every Friday, Maddie undergoes anesthesia and receives a spinal tap to monitor her bone marrow. Maddie will continue to receive continuous chemotherapy over the next two years. She has a long struggle ahead of her but is supported by family, friends and hundreds of prayers.
What does the future hold for Madison?......
As Maddie has undergone more medical testing, the doctors have discovered her leukemia is more rare and aggressive than initially thought. Doctors are confident that although Maddie is in remission, this rare and aggressive cancer will most likely come back. As a result, Maddie's only option is to have a bone marrow transplant. The day before Thanksgiving 2011, Maddie's family heard the wonderful news that Maddie's two year old sister Gracie is a perfect bone marrow match.
Grace will donate her bone marrow on Friday January 20th. The bone marrow transplant places Maddie's chances for long term survival around 60%. Maddie will continue to receive care both in and out of the hospital over the next months and years in the hopes of being cured. Everyday Maddie’s family prays for a miracle for her.
Thank you for your interest in Madison’s story and thank you in advance for your support.