CURE Blog

Here is a touching story from CURE Childhood Cancer community member Chris Safer:

On September 9, 2010, my daughter, 20-month old Madison went to the ER at Baptist Hospital in Miami for a suspected ear infection, but the Doctor saw other symptoms and after an MRI, it was determined that Madison had a very rare and aggressive cancerous brain tumor called AT/RT (Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor). Only 30 children under the age of 3 in the United States a year get this type of cancer. After an 8 hour brain surgery they were able to remove 90% of the tumor. The other 10% was calcified to the brain stem and couldn’t be removed without her heart stopping. She was given a 10% chance of survival She is fighter and such a strong little girl but she has a very tough, and long road to recovery ahead. After 3 months of chemo, they did another MRI and the 10% tumor they couldn’t get out during surgery had disappeared… it was

GONE!!!

For 2 months the family had to move from their home in Miami to Jacksonville where Maddie received 28 sessions of Proton beam radiation therapy at the Proton Center.  The Proton radiation treatment is a cutting edge treatment that with amazing precision sends a beam to the area where the tumors once existed. The amazing story is how MANY people in our community have been touched and inspired by the brave strength of Madison

The following words were written by Maddie’s dad, Chris Schafer in a blog on

Madison Star’s website:

www.madisonsstory.com.

“Life as I once knew it is gone forever and cancer is now consuming my every thought

from the minute I wake up until I fall asleep. The scary truth is that 46 families are having their world turned upside down today and tomorrow and the next day with the diagnosis of cancer……..and 7 of those 46 children will loose their battle with this

nasty disease daily. It is just not fair that pediatric cancer is the least funded and

only receives 3% of the annual research funds. We all have a chance to help these

innocent children, so one day NO more children will have to suffer.

Madison has lost the ability to walk and to speak and just typing this brings me

to tears. WE NEED TO BE THEIR VOICE and speak up because most of these kids can’t!!!   Please help me spread the word and help put an end to this epidemic.

Maddie still has a long road ahead and is going to therapy three times a week for

physical, occupational and speech.  She will continue chemo through September

every third week.

Madison is my daily inspiration, my hope, my love and my life!! She has taught me to not sweat the small stuff, to make every second count and to

always remember to smile!!

We need to find a CURE and if everyone comes together and takes a stand, maybe

one day NO more parents will have to hear the words, “YOUR CHILD HAS CANCER!”

STOP CHILDHOOD CANCER NOW!!!!!!!!!

This is a story we are sharing from Jennifer Cawthon in our CURE community.

My daughter Emileigh was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma on November 14,2003 at the tender age of 15 months. She went through 42 weeks of chemo and she also had to have her leg amputated at 18 months old because the cancer was in her leg. She started walking with her prosthetic at almost 20 months and she has to get a new one every year. Shes been in remission for almost 7 years and going strong. she is 8 years old now. she can ride a bike, jump, skip, jump on a trampoline and pretty much do whatever she puts her mind too! She is the most amazing and strong girl that I know! She is truly my inspiration!