Madison was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that affects about 200 children and young adults in the U.S. each year. She immediately began aggressive chemotherapy. There were some tough days, but Madison always kept a smile on her face and a cheerful attitude.
During her chemotherapy and while her immune system was depressed, Madison contracted West Nile virus. For four weeks she was unable to move, walk, or talk. Her family never lost hope, and the pediatric cancer team at St. Luke’s was even more determined. Miraculously, she overcame West Nile and then underwent successful surgery to remove her tumor. Over the course of her treatment, she spent more than 140 nights in the hospital.
Madison is currently cancer-free and enjoying life. She will have some effects from her experience, but she and her family accept each day with the motto they adopted during her treatment: “The glass is half full.”