My daughter, Maddie, was 8 years old when she was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in August '06.   On that day, our lives were forever changed.  Our family was thrown into a world in which we never imagined we would be a part of.  With three young boys at home, we had to adjust to a new life, focused on battling this awful disease, as a family, and focus on saving Maddie's life.  Maddie never asked, "Why me?"  She never complained.  She gathered the most incredible strength within and the most positive attitude, and with an amazing smile on her face every day, she fought.  She received intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Boston.  After years of grueling treatment,  we should have been "done."  Then we received another crushing blow.  Early in 2008,  Maddie developed MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) and underwent a bone marrow transplant in August.  Despite her courageous fight and unsinkable spirit, Maddie passed away on October 16th.  She was 10 years old.  Anyone who was blessed to meet Maddie, will never forget her spirit, her spunk,  her amazing smile, and all of the lessons she taught us all.  She was my hero. We miss Maddie terribly and she has left such a void, but in her memory we must continue to fight for others. This is what Maddie would want us to do.  She often wrote the words, "Never, Never, Never Give Up."  We will never give up the hope and fight for others.

 

Our family became involved with the PMC when Maddie was chosen to be a Pedal Partner for my husband's employer, MFS.  Watching the ride from the sidelines for the first time was overwhelming.  So many people riding for loved ones still battling cancer or for those loved ones that had passed away.  It was so heartwrenching and uplifting at the same time.  To know that so many people care and will fight to save the lives of others. We attended the Aug.08 ride again. This would be Maddie's last time.  We stood on the side, holding hands, as we cheered on those riding in her name. She was so proud and excited.

 

I rode the PMC last year, for the first time, in honor of my Maddie girl. It was an incredibly emotional experience.  I know Maddie was with me during all of my training rides and was definitely pushing me on the day of the ride.  I did it for Maddie and I did it for her friends,Meghan,Tim, Andrea, and Christina, all who are Angels alongside my Maddie. I will ride again this year, to honor them all, and now to honor of our dear friend, Don Etkin, who became an Angel this past November. He was a devoted PMC rider and had ridden for Maddie, wearing a beautifully handmade yellow jersey with a pink butterfly, in honor of her.  With his wife's blessing, I will wear that jersey this year. 

 

Although we can no longer help our loved ones, we can make sure that their legacies live on and that we continue to help not only to find a cure for cancer, but to raise money to help families with every day tangible items, to make their struggles just a little bit more manageable.  Maddie loved helping others and I know she is proud of me for doing this.  I know she'll be there, cheering me on to the finish line again. I'll high five her and hug her and imagine her beautiful smiling face as we embrace. 

 

To learn more about our PMC team, Pedal For Pediatrics, visit the website www.pedalsforpediatrics.org.  To learn more about my Maddie girl, visit our website www.moreaboutmaddie.com.  Thank you for your support.  No donation is too small. Every penny counts!  Never, Never, Never Give Up!!