The Rally for Kids with Cancer presented by Rosseau Asset Management (Toronto) is less than 27 days away and your fundraising efforts are needed more than ever. With every email request sent and every donation collected, you – our Rally Drivers and supporters – are making a difference in the lives of children currently battling cancer. Children like Madison who at the age of 10 discovered she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

  We are honored to share with you Madison’s inspirational storey of determination and hope in the face of cancer.

                                                                                                                                                  In the summer of 2007, Madison, 10, was starring as one of the Scouts in “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Avon theatre in Stratford. By the time the fall came, she started to complain of exhaustion and back pain. Extremely worried, her parents took her to a hospital. A blood test revealed alarming results and Madison was referred to The Hospital for Sick Children. There, they discovered she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

 ALL is the most common childhood cancer, characterized by the production of a large number of white blood cells. These cells multiply quickly and take over normal blood cells, which can lead to bone marrow failure. If left undiagnosed or not caught in time, ALL is fatal. Fortunately, Madison was diagnosed and began her treatment protocol right away.

 After spending two weeks in the hospital, Madison went home to continue her treatment as an outpatient. She visited SickKids on a regular basis while she continued her intense chemotherapy protocol. In April, Madison began her two-and-a-half-year maintenance period, still receiving chemotherapy and taking oral medication. Her family is relieved that she is in the capable hands of extremely knowledgeable, experienced and caring medical professionals.

 Her condition has not affected her bubbly and cheerful personality, or more importantly, her determination. She envisions walking across a stage to receive a Tony award one day. For now, she is setting her sights locally and is currently participating in the Toronto production of “The Sound of Music”.

 I can’t say enough about the staff at SickKids. Doctors, nurses, child life – they all took the time to comfort us and assure us that everything would be fine.” – Peggy-Jo Scott

 With your support, together we can make a difference in the lives of children, like Madison, currently battling cancer.