One of my favorite blogs, Whoorl, recently shared a very personal tragedy with their viewers. The blog's author, Sarah, wrote about her cousin's beautiful, smart, talented five-year-old daughter, Madeleine. Maddie was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor called DIPG. Her doctors have given her a few months and as time passes, she will lose her ability to walk, fine motor skills, etc. The family is, of course, devastated.
Maddie's parents and family have started a foundation in her name to raise money for a learning center to be built at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California. Maddie loves the ocean and spent a summer at their Sea Camp. It's important for the family to memorialize her in a tangible way and to build a place where families can go to experience all the things that Maddie loves so much.
As a mother, I really cannot imagine what Maddie's parents are going through. She is their only child and precious beyond words. It took me a while to decide whether or not to post Maddie's story - I guess I was afraid I might not do justice to who she is and what she and her family are going through. But, ultimately, I think the more people who know about her and send positives thoughts and energy, the better. If you'd like to learn more about Maddie's story, please visit her CaringBridge page and the new Maddie James Foundation site.
