Help Maddy Breathe

"Go home and hug your kids."

This is what Maddy's dad told us the day we found out that Maddy was in the ER. Maddy was there because she couldn't breathe. But let's back up. Maddy is a red-headed powerhouse of love and enthusiasm (just like her mom)! She is a kid who thinks of others, enjoys school, loves music and books and is just an all-around joy in this world! With all of that bubbly personality, you would never know that Maddy has spent the majority of her young life in and out of hospitals because of pediatric pulmonary hypertension.

What is pediatric pulmonary hypertension, you ask? Well, Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (the pulmonary arteries). PH is a progressive disease where the pulmonary arteries continue to shrink, making the right side of the heart work harder as it makes the higher pressure needed to force blood through the narrowed arteries. In severe cases of pediatric PH, the small blood vessels in the lungs are damaged to the point they are lost. When this point is reached, a transplant is the only hope of survival.

Two years ago, Maddy, reached that point and underwent a successful double-lung transplant. Her recovery was amazing! She was so excited to finally run and play like her friends without running out of air to breathe or having to use an oxygen concentrator. Even though she still had a daily regimen of critical medications to prevent rejection of her new lungs, she nonetheless truly appreciated the little things that so many of us routinely take for granted. There was still plenty of concern with Covid out there; Maddy was one of those people who had to be extra cautious about staying safe. And for two years, her doctor appointments, blood tests and breathing tests were all even better than expected.

Fast forward to 4 weeks ago, Sunday, March 5, 2023. Maddy couldn't breathe with her new lungs. Her mom and dad knew she needed immediate care and took her straight to the ER. Their worst fears were realized when tests and x-rays showed she had pneumonia AND Covid. Doctor's started treatment, but it soon became apparent that she would need to be airlifted to the medical center that has monitored her all her life and performed the transplant two years ago. After a few delays, she was finally transported on Wednesday, March 8.

When she arrived, the new round of testing began, and it was soon apparent that the antibiotics were not working. Her anti-rejection medication was more powerful than the other drugs. She would need to be intubated so her lungs could rest and other medications could be added and (hopefully) begin the healing process.

That was 4 weeks ago.

Maddy's lungs have not healed. She is still intubated. While Covid is no longer present, her chest images are still hazy. She still has a multitude of pumps distributing various medicines around the clock. And, as of this past Monday, Maddy's body is in full rejection of the new lungs. She is unable to breathe on her own and will need another transplant if she is strong enough.

Maddy's mom and dad are working closely with her doctors to make the best decisions they can. They have some big ones coming up as her doctors lay out the path for her prognosis.

Each of the decisions that come next for Maddy's family comes with a price tag, so we have started this GoFundMe to help make sure that no decision needs to be made under the worrisome cloud of how to pay for what needs to be done. Please join us and Help Maddy Breathe!