Madeline’s journey began with subtle signs that something was different. At two years old, her motor skills lagged behind her peers, and she seemed to fall more often than other children. Her mother, Bethany, recalled those early days, not realizing the challenges that lay ahead.
Just after Madeline’s third birthday, everything changed. Severe leg pain and her inability to walk prompted Bethany to insist on further testing. A total body scan revealed a football-sized mass in her abdomen, crushing her internal organs. The diagnosis was neuroblastoma, a type of pediatric cancer that forms in immature nerve cells.
After two rounds of chemotherapy, Madeline regained her ability to walk. Surgeons managed to remove 85% of the tumor, though its connection to her spinal column prevented complete removal. Genetic testing through CURE’s Precision Medicine Program revealed a mutation associated with an aggressive form of neuroblastoma. But fortunately, the remnants of Madeline’s tumor have been stable. Knowing that Madeline has that particular genetic mutation will help doctors in the future should her tumor become active.
Another aspect of precision medicine involves looking into a child’s genetic predisposition. Madeline’s younger sister, Sedona, has a genetic disorder called hemihypertrophy, which is a growth disorder. So she was referred to the genetic predisposition clinic to see if her genetic mutation was the same as Madeline’s. If a genetic link between the two was revealed, it might indicate that Sedona had a high risk of developing cancer in the future. No link was found, but both sisters will be continually monitored so that any cancer can be detected early when it is more treatable.
Madeline finished her treatment and was declared cancer-free. Five years later, she reached a big milestone – she was officially a cancer survivor. Now nine years old and soon to start the fourth grade, she continues to thrive despite some lingering side effects. Her gross motor skills are somewhat challenged, but she doesn’t mind that she can’t hula hoop as well as other kids in her class. She remains incredibly confident and understands that everyone has their own strengths.
Madeline’s battle inspired a profound transformation in her mother. Bethany, who had been working in tech at IBM, decided to pursue a completely different path. Her daughter’s treatment experience has shown her the incredible impact compassionate healthcare professionals can have on families facing their darkest moments.
In 2020, Bethany began taking nursing prerequisites part-time. By 2023, she enrolled full-time in an accelerated nursing program. Her new pursuit culminated in October when she started working in the Cardiac ICU at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – the very same hospital where Madeline had been treated. Her personal experience transformed her perspective, turning a potentially devastating chapter of her life into a calling to help others.
“I wanted to do something with my life that mattered,” Bethany explained. “I wanted to be there for someone else the way the medical team was there for my family.”
Madeline is known for her reading skills, empathy, and caring nature. And her mother is now working to ensure the health of other children. Together, they represent hope for their family and many others.
