MADDIE'S STORY

When Maddie was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, the rambunctious 3-year-old had no idea what she was up against. She was stubborn about taking medication and she hated the physicians' exams.

"It was a constant battle of the wills, but Maddie would also joke and be playful through some of it. While it's become her way of life now, she understands that what she has could also take her life," Elizabeth said at the time. The Hight Family did everything in their ability to make sure that didn't happen.

Plans for Fighting Forever

The numerous treatments—some mild and some rough—included chemotherapy, tumor resection, a stem cell transplant, radiation, and an antibody study. Maddie was also able to take a Phase I study medication, in a protocol which was written solely for her. The medication, for which she was granted five years of compassionate use in 2011, kept her disease stable for many years.

" There is no end in sight" said Elizabeth at the time. "I think, for the most part, Chris [Maddie's father] and I have accepted that we will continue to fight forever if we have to. We are not willing to take the risk of taking Maddie off treatment and have the cancer blow up again."

Supporters Since Day One

Maddie and Emily Ransom, for whom Emily's Power for a Cure was named, met in the oncology clinic at Children's Hospital at Erlanger. The two little girls became fast friends—as did Elizabeth and Wendy Ransom, Emily's mother. When Emily passed away and the Ransom family created Emily's Power for a Cure, Maddie and her family immediately became foundation supporters.

"Neuroblastoma is a horrible disease that robs children of their childhoods, and sometimes takes kids away, but the research it will take to find the cure is expensive and time consuming," Elizabeth says. "Though Maddie's trials were not funded by Emily's Power for a Cure, they were funded by someone, and these trials have been Maddie's miracle. Who knows whose miracle is possible because of funding from Emily's Power for a Cure?"

Today's Update

Maddie bravely fought cancer for 15 years, and her final battle was against the damage the years of treatment took on her young body. She accomplished many things during her short life, including getting a job, graduating from high school, and making plans to go to college to become a radiologic technician. Maddie earned her angel wings on December 13, 2020 when she was 18 years old. 

"Maddie is one of the reasons Emily's Power for Cure was needed and she was a guiding light for me during my darkest hours. That little girl, young woman, showed the world what true bravery is. I am a better person because I knew her, loved her and was loved by her." Wendy Ransom, Founder of Emily's Power for a Cure