Madison, at seventeen, is the oldest of four sisters born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana; Mountains and open country for a backyard. Madison had to face many challenges over the years, but lately, more and more she might be caught smiling to herself, sitting quietly at the end of the kitchen table, reading a book or secretly sketching a picture she wants no one to see. School has been difficult, but she has found a passion and talent in art and literature. She loves animals, her leopard gecko, Asher, to draw, paint and read books.
Madison was born with Tuberous Sclerosis, a genetic disorder known to cause cysts and tubers to grow on nearly any, or every organ of the body. Shortly after birth, Epilepsy was the first serious condition she and her family faced. Her first seven years were spent under careful and constant care to help her stay safe and recover from daily seizures. At the age of seven, doctors at Seattle Children’s were able to remove a golf ball size tumor from her brain that greatly changed Madison’s quality of day-to-day living.
Madison is not known as a social bug by any means. She often chooses to stay home with her pets, books and art, rather than endure even a trip to town with the family.
Madison’s senior year is not the only upcoming challenge of 2023. The continuing tumor growth has brought her kidney function dangerously low, so it has become necessary for her to be placed on a donor transplant list awaiting a new kidney. Although her journey began in Seattle originally, this time, Madi will be receiving her surgical care through the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Hospitals.
The Herbert family has gained a new appreciation for both children facing such unexpected hardships, and the sacrifices that donors endure to help children in need. Being a donor is truly one of those loving and selfless acts of kindness that is a special and integral part of humanity. Thanks goes out to all people going beyond their common practices to help others. Finding one’s self on the “needing” instead of “giving” side of this kind of situation, can be a humbling experience.
Currently a living kidney donor has not been located for Madi, so if you, or anyone you know, is interested in becoming an organ donor, there are things you can do. If you specifically want to be considered as a kidney donor for Madison, Ruth is the contact. For more information message Ruth at madisonsjourney17@gmail.com and she can point you towards the donor screening process.
Madison’s family has asked for assistance from the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. This campaign website will help spread the word of Madison’s needs and accept contributions for COTA for Madisons Journey. Though many costs are covered by different means, Madison and her family will encounter many unforeseen expenses and lifestyle changes arising from transplant care and the lengthy time spent away from home that will be necessary for the surgery. 100% of funds contributed to COTA in honor of Madison will be used for transplant-related expenses.
Maybe we can convince Madison to part with one of her paintings or sketches to some of the contributors. As shy as she is, and though it’s not always seen, Madison is a one-of-a-kind, sweet and compassionate soul.
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Praying for you and your family Madison!