My name is Madison, and I was the starting pitcher this year for my middle school and recreational softball teams. I was also diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at fifteen months old. This year will be ten years since I finished my treatment.

My Mom took me to the Emergency Room for an urgent concern on a Friday night, but she never could imagine what was going to happen that night. I was admitted directly into LVHN Cedar Crest after the doctor came into the room and told my mom that my bloodwork came back and indicated leukemia. They also called the Pediatric Hematologist on call, who came right in. That first night was rough. My little body was trying to fight something it couldn't. Cancer. It took so many tries for the nurses to finally get an IV in. I was admitted for about a week and a half. I needed blood transfusions, platelets, and fluids. That was just the start until my first spinal tap on Monday.

Once I was finally released from the hospital, we had to go to the outpatient pediatric oncology clinic. This was the first of MANY visits. My mom said the first visit could have been one of the worst. She sat down with the nurse practitioner and doctor, and they explained exactly what kind of leukemia I had, what stage, the plan of care, and all of the precautions I would have to take. All of these things could affect me now and in the future, just to save me, and I wasn’t even two yet.

My treatment was two and a half years. It lasted a little longer than expected due to illnesses, infections, and low counts. I can't tell you how much chemotherapy I had, how many hospitalizations, ED visits, clinic visits, blood and platelet transfusions, or spinal taps I had. But what I can tell you is that during every single one of those, PCFLV has been there in one way or another and still is! Someone always stopped by the hospital when I was inpatient to bring me activities to keep me busy. We even had a little Minnie Mouse dance party. Even as a survivor, they still remember us and send birthday cards and invite us to events. It’s truly amazing to be remembered by them - and not just while you’re in treatment. Once you are a part of the family, you always are. And they make sure you feel that way!

I couldn't have gotten here without my Momma, PCFLV, all of the doctors and nurses, and my family members that were there for me. It took an amazing team, working hard together - and that’s what I take to the field with me every time I hit that mound. I think about all the great people and their hard work that have helped get here.  Softball is not just a sport to me. It is my outlet and my way to forget everything I have been through. It's my way of honoring those kids who didn't win this battle and showing those still in it that you can live a normal life after.

Written by Madison

Please consider helping children with cancer and others in our community by scheduling a blood donation at Miller-Keystone Blood Center: https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/zip