By now, many of you have heard that Madison's brain tumor is growing again after being in remission since 2008. We have been closely following changes with her tumor for over the past several years at both St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and here locally at "Valley Children’s Hospital" in Madera, California. 

Many of you remember when she was first diagnosed at the age of 2 ½ years old. She underwent two surgeries at UCLA-Mattel Children’s Hospital at the age of 2 ½ and again not quite one year later 3 ½ and then underwent a new and life-saving radiation therapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the age of six. Now at the age of 14, Madison is in the 8th grade.

The support we have received from you on her behalf has been outstanding.  For those of you who know Madison and her story, we dearly appreciate all of the prayers and support you have given us during this 12-year journey.

In July, doctors told us that her brain tumor was growing again. Madison just returned from St. Jude  today, and after her latest MRI it was decided that she will undergo surgery in Memphis next month at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital (A St. Jude Partner Hospital). Their Neurosurgeon is quite optimistic that he will be able to remove all of the new tumor growth during surgery.

St. Jude's provides for travel support for one parent and the patient. They will provide for Mom and Madison's  expenses while in Memphis for hospital care, lodging, travel, and for meals.  Madison’s mother has chosen to be the "traveling parent" both prior and after to her surgery.

It is my hope to raise funds for my family (Elijah, Kim and I) to travel to Memphis, Tennissee to be with Madison for her surgery,  and for her recovery. We would also be able to provide relief for Madison's Mom at the Hospital while we are there.  We hope to raise enough funds for airfare, lodging, meals, and local trasnportation while in Memphis for the week to ten days. Barring any complications, she will be able to return home to recover and begin Physical Therapy.
We also hope to raise enough funds to have the flexibility to take "Family Leave" from work the week of surgery and as well as to provide for Madison's on-going care needs and costs once she returns to Visalia.  

Once healed, Madison will also need back surgery as well to address the Scoliosis curvature of her spine that is a result of her muscle weakness caused by the tumor. We are also exploring facial reanimation surgery for her - but that is a long way off and will have to wait until these two issues are under control.

I will be applying to the District for Catastrophic Leave once St. Jude's returns the signed forms. If approved, I would be eligible to receive donations from current VUSD employees towards Family Leave. I will update you once that is approved.

Last July, I made my tenth trip to Memphis with Madison. It's been a long journey this far for Madison and you have been there every step of the way with love, support and prayers.  We are reminded that God is a sovereign and a great God. His word tells us that He has plans for all of us. Plans for good and not for harm, to provide a blessed future and to give us hope. Jesus says that He came so that we all may have life, and have it abundantly.  

We are grateful for each of you and all you have done for us – through good times and in tough times. We would be extremely thankful for any donation you would be able to make to help us reach our goal to be there for Madison. We would also be thankful for the prayers, positive thoughts, and light that you would be willing to offer up on behalf of Madison, her Medical Team, and her entire family during this difficult time.

Any money that is not used from this Go Fund Me Campaign will be donated back to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. They have done so much on behalf of so many for Children's Pediatric Cancer. We owe them that much.