My sister Madelyn, 13, passed away on February 24, 2017. She was a 7th grader at Lincoln Middle School who loved to dance and always had a big smile on her face. She was our sunshine.

Madelyn passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at home due to complications from having the flu, on top of her Addison’s Disease. Madelyn suffered from Addison’s Disease and was diagnosed at the age of 7. Addison’s Disease is an adrenal gland/endocrine disease disorder characterized by progressive anemia, low blood pressure, weakness, and bronze discoloration of the skin. It occurs when your body produces insufficient amounts of certain hormones produced by your adrenal glands. She took hormone replacement medication daily for 6 years to correct the levels of steroid hormones her body couldn’t produce.

The Addison’s Disease combined with having the flu was just too much for her little body to handle.  Our sunshine was taken away from us way too soon.  No one expects to have to bury their child. 

I’m currently in the military on emergency leave, trying to help my family raise money to help with this financial burden.  Due to her untimely death, we have created a Go Fund Me page which will help cover the costs for the funeral home, cemetery burial and headstone.

Madelyn leaves behind our parents William & Melanie, our brother Justin and her twin sister and best friend Jenna.  My family thanks you in advance for any donations and continued condolences while we are in this time of grief.