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Wednesday, May 14, 2008 11:41 AM CDT
Babineau, Maddison 24 Aug 1991-15 May 2007
Babineau, Stephen 11 May 1957-17 May 1998
15 May 2008
Dearest Maddie,
Our hearts were broken when you left us one year ago today, only 15 years old.
You were my hero, my best friend. You fought an incredible fight - 3 years.
Through your courage, laughter and incredible spirit, you taught us how to live.
Maddie, you have changed people’s lives for the better. Not only the children in Africa you helped, but the people here in Hamilton and all over the world have shared their stories with me of how you touched their hearts and changed their way of living. Because of you Maddie! YOU made magic happen. How I wish I could hold you again, and show you all the letters and good work being done on your behalf. But then you already know don’t you. Some people believe you were an Angel sent here on Earth to teach us how to live –how lucky I was to have been chosen as your Mom.
I love you.
Stephen, 10 years now, I can’t believe it. We love and miss you – take care of our little girl.
Service – 6pm, Gate of Heaven Cemetery. MAD 4 Maddie 5km fun run May 31st www.maddieswishproject.com
Love -Mom, Sharon, brother - Derek and family.
Please visit Maddie's website and walk/run with us on May 31st in Hamilton, www.maddieswishproject.com
contact Sharon Babineau smbabineau@sympatico.ca
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 9:19 AM CST
NO OPPORTUNITY WASTED AND FREE THE CHILDREN
HELP A MOTHER FULFILL HER DAUGHTER’S LAST WISH
- EPISODE AIRS NOV. 28 AT 8:30 P.M. ET/PT on CBC -
“No Opportunity Wasted” teams up with the charity Free The Children to give mother Sharon Babineau the opportunity to fulfill her daughter Maddie’s final wish – to build a well in the same Kenyan village where Maddie built a school so children there can attend class rather than fetch water. Sharon Babineau takes an emotional journey to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya with PEI school teacher and co-challenger Tara Stewart in the eighth episode of “No Opportunity Wasted” which airs Wed., Nov. 28th at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBC Television.
Hamilton, ON native Maddie Babineau lost her battle with bone cancer in May 2007. Only 15-years-old when she died, Maddie used her final days to help children half way around the world. She became known as the girl who gave her wish away when she opted to use a wish, granted by The Children’s Wish Foundation, to give students in Kenya a badly needed school. With the school complete, Maddie was heartbroken to learn that many children could not attend class because they had to spend hours fetching water for their families. She raised money from her hospital bed to have a well built by selling jewelry, but passed away before realizing her dream of seeing the well completed.
Sharon Babineau is joined in her effort by Souris, PEI’s Tara Stewart. A public school teacher, Tara applied to be on No Opportunity Wasted to put her good intentions into action. Giving the little that she does earn to charity, Tara wanted to have a tangible experience she could use to inspire her students in PEI.
“Maddie’s dedication to helping others despite her sickness is inspiring,” says Phil Keoghan, Executive Producer and Creator, “No Opportunity Wasted”. “What Sharon and her co-challenger Tara Stewart experience in Kenya reminds us that no matter who we are, we can make a difference.”
“In Kenya there are young girls Maddie’s age who can now attend school,” says Craig Kielburger, Founder, Free the Children. “She led a life of caring and compassion and her mother Sharon deserved to see first hand what an incredible legacy her daughter leaves in Kenya.”
If your not able to see the tv show, log onto their website and see the full show after it airs http://www.cbc.ca/now/episode8.html
Lets celebrate Maddies legacy!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 8:25 AM CDT
Dearest friends,
Well, it’s been three (long) months since the death of our sweet Maddie. Can’t comprehend that she is truly gone, pain free but I’m selfish I miss her so much and want her back. I can’t begin to describe the pain and loneliness I feel. Each visit to the cemetery brings some peace but then turns to horror from seeing the grass grow more each time over her gravesite, a reflection of time passing since she has been taken away much too soon from us.
It’s bewildering how I can look so normal and act so normal on the outside but be so broken on the inside. Sometimes I don’t know where I fit in this world anymore, but Maddies legacy keeps me going.
We are still receiving wonderful letters of support from Maddies friends, really inspiring for me to read. A few fundraisers will be coming up next year for Maddie’s village – One event will be a Walk-a-thon called: Run like your MAD – kudos to Ernie for this idea. We will share it with you all once the planning has advanced more.
This Friday, Aug 24th was to be Maddie’s Sweet 16th Birthday. In her honour I thought we could remember her by gathering at the cemetery Friday at 6:30 pm, for a short informal get-together. Just friends and family. Please bring a rock (around fist sized) and paint it with a message to Maddie on it. We will surround her grave with these rocks and I will later get them and bring them home to start a rock garden. Be as creative as you can!
Dircetion to the cemetery – Gates of Heaven – are below:
From 403 West/403 East - exit hwy 6 north guelph from 403 West or 403 east. Continue north on hwy 6. At the first set of lights , turn right (major intersection) Continue on Plains rd W. turn left at Hillsdale Ave, (becomes snake rd(. Continue on snake re for 2 km. The cemetery entrance is on the left.
From Hamilton, from dundrun n, travel towards Burlington on York Blvd. Turn left at lights onto plains rd w. Turn right at Hilssdale Ave(becomes snake rd). Continue on snake re for 2 km. The cemetery entrance is on the left.
As you go in Gate of Heaven, go 180 degrees through the circle, go to the back row, section 2a lot 87, (they recently started digging up dirt around her area)
Any questions, just call me 908 389 8046, email smbabineau@sympatico.ca
Any of Maddie’s friends stuck for a ride, give us a call, we will see what we can do.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:10 PM CDT
Dear friends,
Pain free at last.
It is with a broken heart I must share the news that after a gallant fight for three years, our sweet Maddie has earned her wings to Heaven.
Into the waiting arms of God and her Daddy Stephen Babineau.
Her gift of love and selflessness has touched so many. Lets honour her memory by continuing her work in Africa.
Your continued love and support during Maddies journey has been a real comfort, I couldn’t have gotten through this without it.
Family and friends will be received at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennel Avenue Hamilton on Thursday from 7-9p.m. and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral service to be held at St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church (20 Idlewood Ave.) Hamilton on Saturday at 10:00a.m.
Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery
Celebration of Life at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre 1555 Upper Ottawa St Hamilton 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 13, 2007 12:15 AM CDT
Dear friends,
Maddison has been placed on life-support and her organs are starting to fail.
Please pray for a miracle.
Love Sharon (Maddies mom)
Friday, May 11, 2007 12:39 AM CDT
Dearest friends,
So much has happened this past month and I have been dreading updating this website. I’m almost afraid to put to words what has been happening, it just makes it more real than I want it to be.
Maddison has been transferred to SickKids in Toronto, she is undergoing a new chemotherapy drug. We have been devastated by test results indicating the cancer has spread to her head and hips. We continue to believe that Maddie can beat it again for the third time. The chemo has ravaged her frail body, she is down to 44 kg. She has been in the hosp for the last week fighting an infection in her lungs. Yesterday she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit when she became unresponsive and unable to breath on her own. With the expertise of about 20 doctors and Maddies incredible will to beat this, she has stabilized by morning. She is still in the ICU on assisted breathing, receiving blood, platelet transfusions, morphine drip, many other machines, and deeply sedated to keep her from pulling her tubes out of her mouth.
She’s a fighter, she responded with a smile when I told her that her beloved Ottawa Senators won the hockey game last night (against Buffalo !!). I think the doctors in the ICU thought I was crazy when I put the hockey game on in the room, but I know my daughter and she did not surprise me when she acknowledged the win.
So, we are at SickKids, the inquiries phone number there is 416 813 6621. When she comes out of ICU, she should go back to room 25 Ward 8A
If you would like to cheer her up send her a card or note, the address is
SickKids
555 University Ave
Toronto On
M5G 1X8
I have gotten a room for the weekend at the Renaissance Toronto, One Blue Jays Way phone
416 341 7100 , not sure the room number yet, but if you need to reach us it can be done there too. The room is in my name. I got the room so Derek and family can have a place to rest while visiting in shifts. We always make sure someone is with Maddie 24/7.
Please keep her in your prayers
Love to all,
Sharon , Maddie, Derek,
Monday, April 9, 2007 1:59 AM CDT
Dear Friends,
Happy Easter. Its 3:00 am Sunday (or officially Monday) The house is quiet, Maddie is peacefully sleeping so I thought I would update.
Maddie has been in the hosp undergoing chemotherapy. Her scans were basically unchanged, no shrinkage but most importantly no new growth.
She was able to come home for the night for Easter. Dinner was a bit of a disaster (undercooked turkey!!) but it all worked out. We had a nice relaxing evening, went to the park with the dog for a while but it was pretty cold. We even had snow the last couple of days.
We had a great time in Niagara Falls last weekend. There were 12 Junior Citizens of the Year. Maddie was able to meet the other 11 amazing teens and they all hung out for a bit. We were all put up in a hotel for the evening, with a view of the falls.
Maddies two schools had their Moustaches for Maddie events. I heard some people (wives) paid big bucks to have their husbands newly grown moustaches shaved off. Some of they looked pretty bad but it was all for fun and they were great sports. I heard the grand total was way past expectations, I’ll update later with the total.
We are so excited by all the interest and support with Maddies project. There was a wonderful article written in the Ottawa Citizen Sunday March 25th. It was titled An angel, a wish, an inspiration. I wish I could send a link to it but so far have not been able to figure out how. It was wonderfully written and goes back in Maddies past in Ottawa with her dad. From that article we were able to touch base with old friends and make new ones. For those who have contacted us and I haven’t replied yet, please accept my apologies, it’s difficult when running back and forth from the hosp but we read every email and it inspires us to continue on Maddies project. I will get back to everyone. Promise.
Well, I’m tired, need to catch some sleep before the kids wake up.
Blessings to all.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek and JAC (just a cat) and Winston
Thursday, March 22, 2007 4:38 PM CDT
Dear friends,
Well, you have to give us an e for effort on our trip to Ottawa to catch a Senators hockey game and visit friends. We started out Saturday morning after digging out of our driveway from what I hope was our last snowfall of the year. My sister Susan came along at the last minute, to help with the drive incase the weather got worse.
The drive was pretty uneventful and driving conditions were not too bad. Maddie was a bit under the weather, she finished chemo the day before but we hoped that she would continue to feel better as the weekend went by. We arrived in Ottawa around 3:00 pm and decided to take Maddie straight to CHEO, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, for some pain management and hydration. The staff was great there, they worked very hard to get Maddie feeling a bit better and to the game, and although late, we were able to catch the last half of the game. CJOH camera crew came to the game and were able to get Maddie on the 11:00 pm news. After the game (they won) we went to check into the hotel. Around 1:00 am, Maddison was in great discomfort, I realized that she needed to get back to the hosp, so we called the duty oncologist and they arranged a room for her at CHEO. I stayed at CHEO with Maddison, she started to run a temperature of 40 degrees and they put her on three antibiotics. She was not fit to travel back to Hamilton so they arranged her to be med-evaced by air ambulance to McMasters Childrens Hosp. I traveled with her and Susan drove the van back to Hamilton. We had to leave all our belongings in the van, they even required my weight for the flight- very small plan !!
For those who don’t know me well, I hate to fly.
( I had to be med-evacuated by helicopter then by Hercules transport plane when I was in the military after a fall from a second story balcony at a New Years Eve party in Quebec, just after returning from my tour of duty in Germany. I was suspended from the ceiling in a stretcher, not the best way to get over your fear of flying. )
So, instead of returning Monday as planned, we flew in on Tuesday. Maddie was transported from the Hamilton Airport to McMasters by ambulance and is still in hosp now. She is slowly getting better, there is a current breakout of the stomach virus so its better no one visits for the next day or two. You can reach her by phone at 905 521 2100 ext 76951, room 15.
There is to be an article written about Maddie in the Ottawa Citizen this Sunday.
A special good luck to Mr Stetchy, Maddie’s teacher from Blessed Kateri, he’s running the 30 km .Around the Bay race in Hamilton this Sunday and raising money for Maddies wish project in Africa.
I do hope to get Maddies website up and running once I can spend more than a few hours at home. We appreciate all the individual projects going on on her behalf and are so encouraged by them, they get us a step closer to her dream village.
Blessings to all,
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston and J.A.C (just a cat)… and Uncle Kevin.
Friday, March 16, 2007 9:31 PM CDT
Dear friends
Maddie has spent most of the month in the hosp undergoing chemo, she came home Friday night but ended up being admitted at 2:00 am Monday.
Her chemo is finishing tomorrow so I am going to wrap her in blankets early Saturday morning, throw her in the van and bring her on a road trip to Ottawa – to visit friends and see a Ottawa Senators game.
We should get in Sat afternoon, staying at the Albert at Bay Suite Hotel. 435 Albert St 613 238 8858
You can reach us there (wont know room # till we check in), we will stay till Monday at check-out time. (Derek is gone to his friends farm)
We got the suite so that there is lots of room for visitors and Maddie can rest and stay in one place. Plus lots of room for her medical supplies
You can reach us by calling the hotel around dinner time Sat- then we're off to the Ottawa Senators game (section 203 6&7 row 2, handicapped seats), back to Hotel, may be up for visits after the game if Maddie is up to it, she typically stays up quite late in the evening Have all day Sunday to visit. For those of you in Ottawa, lets make it a party. We have a full kitchen so feel free to bring something to eat and or drink, and a camera for pictures, we’ll have a nice visit.
We will head back on Monday at noon to Hamilton.
Leave me any contact info you have – I’ll check messages at home by end of day Friday.
Maddie will then be off treatment for two weeks while she gets rescanned to see if the chemo is working.
We should be getting more jewellery in the next week or two and look forward to getting together to show it and get her website up and running.
Thanks for all the great messages and prayers,they keep us going.
Blessings
Sharon and Maddie
Friday, March 2, 2007 3:30 PM CST
Dear Friends,
Maddie was interviewed by MairiAnna Bachynsky, a reporter from CTV yesterday at the hosp, the interview will be shown this Saturday March 3rd on CTV (Toronto)at 6:00 pm. We hope you’re able to watch it.
Its about Maddies wish project, its been a tremendous success so far, we have been overwhelmed with all the support and hope to continue to build a whole village (started with a wish and a school) with all the love and support this community has given us.
We are hoping to get her website up and going soon. It will be a work in progress over the next few weeks, but check in to see it when you can. I’m hoping it will be a venue for updating her health, promoting the Mad project and allowing others to help too with tips for selling the jewellery and other ideas.
www.maddieswishproject.com website (created by Ted Bailey) soon to come !!!!!
Maddie is still in hosp, she is to start chemo again on Monday, this it her week off – I was hoping to get her home, but she has yet to recover from the last dose of chemo. I love her so much, she's such an inspiration.
Storm coming, spent the night at home with Derek but having to head back to the hosp, rather get snowed in with her than stuck at home.
Blessings to all
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston, J.A.C (just a cat) and Uncle Kevin
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 1:41 PM CST
Dear friends
It’s with great heartache I have to share the news that Maddie’s cancer has come back for the third time. She has been at McMasters Children’s Hospital undergoing another round of chemotherapy for the past 21/2 weeks. We are currently trying temozolomide and irontecan chemo drugs. It’s difficult on her as she has yet fully recuperated from her stem cell transplant. She’s currently in room 11, her phone number is 905 521 2100 ext 75979. She tends to sleep during the day but has some energy in the evening. Visitors are welcome as long as your healthy.
I mentioned previously that Maddie was nominated as a finalist for the Hamilton Volunteer of the Year, although she did not win , the following day, Maddie was notified that she had won Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year. You can read the article written about her at http://www.hamiltonmountainnews.com/hmn/news/news_716970.html (copy and paste)
The ceremony is end March, we are all excited and very proud of her.
She’s still active in raising funds for her Africa project, help is always welcomed. Great projects are popping up in her honour and we are very grateful. We are still in the planning stages for some things like the dance we are hoping to put on when she gains her strengh. We are creating a website for her and her project. If you wait a few days it should be up in rough copy. I’ll email it once its up and running.
Need to head back to hosp, keep praying for Maddie.
Blessings to all
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, J.A.C and Winston
Saturday, February 3, 2007 9:10 PM CST
January 29, 2007 at 09:22 AM EST
Dear Friends,
Quick update :I cant believe its been almost two months since our last update. My apologies, we seem to live in a separate time zone from the rest of the world. Up all night, sleep all day, in hosp more than at home, living in the moment - getting out when Maddie is well and buckling down when she’s not.
We had a lovely Christmas and New Years. Maddie has been hospitalized a few times - still struggling with nausea, pain and general weakness. Her g tube was plugged so she had to undergo surgery to replace it.
We were able to escape for a week to a real fantasyland. We went to the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton Alberta. We lived for a week at the mall. Sounds surreal, lots of fun for those who love to shop, but this mall has much more. There was a wave pool, water park, amusement park, ice rink, bowling, movie theatres, sealand ( with penguins - my favourite) 800 stores and the Fantasyland Hotel which has luxury theme rooms. The hotel treated us with such kindness, we received the African luxury theme room when they found out about Maddie work with her MAD project and her school and well in Africa. It was the next best thing to being there. The rooms are incredible, we had a waterfalls and Jacuzzis in our living room and the painted mural African scenes were beautiful- not to mention the most luxurious bed I ever slept in. Our friend Jack tipped the hotel off about Maddie’s work and Messeret from the Fantasyland Hotel made sure that we had a wonderful time. We had so much fun, we even stayed two days longer than planned. Eva from the West Edmonton Mall made sure our stay was extra special by giving us all VIP passes to all the events and venues in the mall. She was even able to come up with Edmonton Oilers tickets !!
Maddie is busy trying to get ready for the next semester of school - she has been home schooled but want to take two classes at school with her friends.
Maddies well project is still getting great support. We have new jewellery and look forward to continuing to raise more money.
Tonight Maddie is nominated for the Hamilton Spectator Youth Volunteer of the Year - fingers crossed.
Blessing,
Sharon Maddie and Derek
Monday, November 20, 2006 2:18 PM CST
Dear Friends,
Well we have good news all around, Maddison had her meeting with her surgeon on Thursday and he felt that the surgery went extremely well. Her prosthetic limb is fitting perfectly. Her bone marrow came back fine and they were able to get a clear margin around the tumour so Maddie does not have to endure anymore radiation. Right now all we have to do is get her strong and she needs to continue lots of physiotherapy to gain as much use of her arm as possible. Next hurdle is to concentrate on catching up on her school work so that she can attend high school next semester.
Did you know today is National Child Day in Canada. Our dear Maddison is gracing the cover of our local newspaper as one of four local young people who are making a difference, under the title -the Power of One - Children changing the world. Her story is on the cover and continues on Go 5. All four are exceptional stories and exceptional teens. For those who do not get the paper, you can log onto www.thespec.com and go to local news, and the second part of the story is in the Go section. If you go on the front page, down at the lower left (heading : today at the spec), there is a marquee that changes through 3 different stories, Maddie photo and link shows up there.
Our kids are great !!! So when you see your children today give them a big hug for all the great things they do and tell them about National Child Day (Recognising the rights and concerns of children everywhere) If they are not aware, share with them the plight of those less fortunate in Third World countries and here at home, you will be amazed by the solutions they will come up with, they really can change the world.
Maddies project -the MAD project - is still selling jewellery . They are a gift that really gives twice - a great Christmas gift for you or your friends and 100 percent of the profit goes to Free the Children. Leave a message on the website if you are interested.
I am not going to change internet or phone services, so all will stay the same.
If you wish to get a email each time I update this site then register at www.carepages.com go to new visitors and returning members link. (Visit a carepage) Then you need to register one time -with your own member’s name and password. It will take you to Visit a CarePage - Go to Patient Family Name: Maddison Babineau , Carepage name : Carepage4maddie and your in.
Blessing to all,
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston, and J.A.C (Just a cat
Thursday, November 9, 2006 10:38 AM CST
Dear Friends ,
We are home. Finally and hopefully for good !!!
Maddie will be getting physio therapy at home. She has some range of motion but is still not able to move her arm on its own. Her appetite is coming back but she still needs to use the feeding pump nightly to ensure she gets all the nutrients she needs for her body to heal. Pain is still an issue but she’s dealing with it as best she can., it sometimes feels like her prosthetic shoulder is separating but an x-ray has shown that its fine. Staples will be coming out tomorrow. Dr Colterjohn did an amazing job and the incision is healing well. She’s able to get out for short periods of time - for retail therapy of course !! CHARGE IT !!!!
Her bed and pump and medical supplies are stationed in the living room ( near the TV) so her, Derek, Winston and I have been camping out together in the living room. Late nights, pizza and pj parties !!!
We haven’t heard back yet about her bone marrow and tumour results.
Maddie is hard at work raising money and awareness for her project called: the MAD project (Making A Difference). She and her friends are selling beautiful jewellery - bracelets, necklaces, and earrings to raise money to build a well in Africa through Free the Children. 100 per cent of the money will go to the project. They cost $5.00 for bracelets and earrings, $7.00 for the necklaces or $15.00 for the three together. it’s a great deal , we kept the price nice and low so that they would be easy to sell. She’s setting them up at peoples work (during lunch) and schools, they are very popular and make a great xmas gift and supporting a great cause. If you want to see Maddies jewellery let us know and we will arrange it, it gives her something to do. Right now she is being home schooled, not too much of a course load, just two credits this semester is enough.
I have changed my service for phone, internet, cell and satellite over from Bell (too expensive) to Rogers, I will need to get a new email address but my phone number should remain the same, there may be a break in service for a day or two when it comes into affect. I hope jt doesn’t complicate communications too much. If your getting in touch with me by email and not getting a reply, give me a call 905 389 8046.
Blessing to all,
Sharon, Maddison, Derek, Winston and JAC
Monday, October 30, 2006 5:44 PM CST
Dear Friends,
Maddie‘s surgery went as planned on Friday morning. She was admitted into the hosp Thursday night, surgery was at 8:00 am. We were very pleased to hear that they had gotten a cadaver bone for her surgery. Then, the surgeon came out a few hours later and explained that there was some concern about her bone marrow, it looked unusual which could be related to the stem cell transplant but to error on the side of caution they decided to not use the cadaver bone and use the prosthetic partial limb. The marrow has to be tested and we will know more in a few weeks. The reason for the switch is that a cadaver bone cannot be radiated but the prosthetic limb can withstand radiation so if it turns out that she needs radiation later ,this is the best way to go. Surgery finished late afternoon and Maddie was moved to ICU. She came around but was quite sore. Her arm is carefully bandaged, and swollen and she cannot move her fingers yet. She is undergoing intensive physio, and she still has a epidural for pain control although that and a morphine patch and hourly hydromorphone is helping her manage the pain, she is still quite uncomfortable. She’s fed up and I don’t blame her. She will probably be in for a few more days. Right now she is at 3c (step-down) Room 15 Phone 905 521-2100 ext 73004. She’s taking calls (not before 10:00am), resting when she can and we hope to be home by the end of the week. I’m sure she would like visitors, just keep in mind that her energy is low.
Well, that’s it for now, thank you for all the prayers and kind words of support.
Blessings,
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston and JAC
Thursday, October 26, 2006 5:28 PM CDT
Dear Friends,
Maddison’s surgery is booked for 8:00am tomorrow morning (Fri Oct 27th). She is going in to the hosp this evening (McMasters Children’s Hosp) to ensure they are properly prepared this time. The procedure will be about 4 hours then she will be sent to ICU for observation over night. If all goes well she will be returning to 3C for the rest of the week. Please say a prayer for Maddie that all goes well. I’ll update as soon as I can.
Blessings,
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston and Jack
PS On a lighter note: Maddie and I registered Derek for the Vogue Model Search which took place Tues and Wed evening at Limeridge Mall. He entered in the male teen category, and he came in 1st runner up !!! It was lots of fun and we were so proud that he got up in such a large crowd and did this. He has a interview for the 2nd week of Nov with Vogue Models and Talent Mgmt. Maybe he can make money for his university tuition!!!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 2:32 PM CDT
UPDATE TO THIS MORNINGS POSTING
Maddies surgery was cancelled at the last second - as we were being rolled into the OR. It seems it was a combination of things, we knew her platelets were low, but because of her last cancellation of surgery, they did not redo a proper pre-op for the OR so when we arrived this morning it turned out they had to do another cross match and there was not enough rogan ( she’s A Neg) or blood or something like that, and we were already running late for OR time because of waiting for results. There was in total 5 minor things that were not done or missing or not meeting ideal conditions so at the last second Dr Colterjohn cancelled ( who by the was is a great surgeon and not too happy about cancelling), I had gowned up, mask on - Maddie had her iv and blood work, saw the anaesthetist . We were actually rolling into the OR when it was cancelled. All the anxiety she and I went through. I called my sister and brother and told them not to come in that we were heading home. We preceded to immediately jump into bed together for a late day nap!! mentally and physically wiped.
We have now received a new date of Fri Oct 27th, at 11:00am. Lets hope third time is the charm, maybe the stars will align and she will get her cadaver bone.
Thanks for the prayers, we will keep you all updated and in our thoughts and prayers too.
Hugs, Maddie, Sharon, Derek, Winston, JAC
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 2:04 AM CDT
Dear friends,
Please pray for Maddie. Her surgery is scheduled for early tomorrow morning (Tue Oct 17th) at 8:00am. But, there is a chance that it might be cancelled. We went to the clinic this morning for a pre - op check-up. Her blood platelets were a bit low this morning (they were on Fri too) so surgery might be cancelled, they said it would be up to the surgeon. But, once they contacted the surgeon, he said it was up to the anaesthetist So they tried to find out who the anaesthetist was for tomorrows surgery, for some reason they were not able to find out who the anaesthetist was to get an answer for us today. I even called the duty paediatric oncologist, who did not return my call, I can tell you I am very upset about this. They said just show up and if its on great if not we can go back home. I think they lose sight of what we as a family go through prior to surgery when we get this kind of advice. There should have been no reason not to get a clear answer.
So we will prepare as if she is having it in the morning. No food after midnight etc, we know the routine. It will be a sleepless night (its 3:00am right now), and I hesitate to tell the family to come to the hosp and sit with me when I don’t even know if the surgery will happen. The clincher is that they don’t have a cadaver bone for her. She will need new shoulder and arm from just above the elbow so she will get a internal prosthetic arm-which means her arm will look the same on the outside but will sent off alarms at the airport x ray.
Sorry, but I feel so down, it breaks my heart that Maddie has to endure yet another surgery.
I do hope that I have better news to update with at the end of the day.
Sharon
Friday, October 13, 2006 2:12 PM CDT
Dear Friends
Saturday night was such a magical night. I’d like to thank everyone who shared this memorable evening with us. It was an incredible time. Hundreds attended the beautifully decorated ballroom, standing room only. There was top notch entertainment - Brian Michaels - illusionist - extraordinaire - he has made appearances as an opening act for Céline Dion on her last world tour. More incredible than his show was the fact that he is just recovering from a double lung transplant. This only three months ago, and he was so gracious to offer to perform for Maddie. He told her to believe in magic, and Saturday was truly a magical night. We were also entertained by a DJ - Pat and the live music of a great band called Boomerang. Hundreds of silent auction items covered tables wall to wall on the outside perimeter of the ballroom. Maddie’s team worked so hard to put this night together and were full of energy greeting everyone and making sure the night went smoothly, which it did. They had a great logo designed by Roberta’s daughter Caroline, t shirts, mountains made of pottery, an African table and we met a wonderful woman from Kenya (where Maddie built her school). The team was incredible, all I heard all night was that they raised the bar for event planning. A few people were looking to see if they were for hire !! I do look forward to getting together with the committee at a later date to properly thank them. I saw so many old friends and made new friends. Maddie’s friends were there, taking her around in her wheelchair, I had to keep looking for her. She got up a few times, and she ate a bit - it was so wonderful to see her having fun, me too, and my son Derek was having a blast. Dance floor was packed all night and we were still trying to clear people out after 1:00am - a sure sign of success!
I don’t think I will ever forget the kindness shown to us Saturday. We still have a long journey ahead of us but this was a real boost for me - emotionally, physically and financially. I feel like I can do it, if only a day at a time, and with the strength of my friends.
God bless,
Sharon , Maddie, Derek, Winston, JAC
Tuesday, October 3, 2006 11:09 PM CDT
Hello everyone
Again we have had a set-back. We were let out of the hosp on Monday with the hopes we would stay home and have a break till her next surgery. That lasted only three days and we were back there every day anyways because of tests and meetings with the surgeon . Maddie started to experience a new type of pain on Thurs. The pain got continuously worse so we went into the hosp on Friday and she was diagnosed with shingles.Shingles is an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. So, she is being treated in isolation and we were told that her surgery on the 4th is cancelled !! It will be rebooked in two weeks, not sure of the date yet. I may be able to take her home tomorrow and have her cared for at home. She’s still being fed by her g tube but she has started to eat which is such a relief, and I see a spark in her eye that I haven’t seen in a long long time. We are looking forward to the fundraising event on Saturday. From what I have heard so far, its going to be a great night,
Moving Mountains for Maddie
A very special evening is planned to support the Babineau Family. Please mark your calendars now so that you won't miss this opportunity to be a part of the fun and friendship.
Saturday, October 7th at 8:00 p.m.
Michelangelo Banquet Centre, Hamilton
Silent Auction, Live Music of Boomerang, Buffet and more to be enjoyed!
To order tickets email Roberta at email - movingmountainsformaddie@sympatico.ca
Well its getting late, that‘s all for now
Blessings to all.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston, JAC
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 11:12 PM CDT
Hello friends,
Well its been such a long, long road, Maddie had to endure yet another surgery today– I’m crushed that she had to go through another painful procedure and I feel so helpless. I always believed that mothers have the wonderful ability to kiss their child and make it all better, but this time, its so much bigger than a kiss, we need lots of prayers as Maddie battles this devastating disease for the second time.
We attempted to go home a few times this week but ended up each time back in the hospital. She is 80 days post transplant and still not eating or drinking. She has been using a NG tube to sustain her but because of her extreme nausea she throws up her tube and then we have to go through the painful procedure of inserting a new one – over and over again, so this afternoon they put a g tube into her stomach and she will be fed that way. Of course they told her it wouldn’t hurt and would only take a few minutes …..unfortunately it was extremely painful for her – I insisted that I stay with her and comfort her as they did this while she was awake (sedation should have put her to sleep). It took an hour and now 6 hours later we can still hardly comfort her. I just keep praying that every new day will start with some peace for Maddie. Her major surgery is booked for Oct 4th as long as she is strong enough.
But, its important to remember that she has had some good days too – these are the days that keep me going. When she is up to it she sells jewelry out of her hospital room, she is doing this to raise more money so that she and her friends can raise enough money to build a well in Africa to go along with the school she built with her wish from the Children’s Wish Foundation. (ever wonder what you would do if you were given a wish?) We have had fun shopping on eBay – finding and purchasing necklaces, earrings and bracelets to resell. The word got out with the nurses and we have had to purchase more bracelets as we ran out. If you would like to see some, let us know. We are keeping the price low - so everyone wins. Once she is back home she will be working on this more.
There is a fundraiser planned for our family on Oct 7th (Sat) at 8:00pm at Michelangelo’s in Hamilton. This event is put together by our dear friend Roberta Monte and her incredible team. There will be a silent auction (approx 100 items), live music, entertainment and a buffet and cash bar. Tickets $20.00 I don’t know if there will be tickets at the door so please try to get them ahead of time. I’m afraid I may give the wrong email address so I’ll just give you mine for now smbabineau@sympatico.ca to request tickets, donate a silent auction item, or help get the word out. I will pass it on to Roberta. We are truly overwhelmed with the generosity and compassion we have received during Maddie journey with cancer and really draw our strength from your show of support. We really look forward to this wonderful evening and hope to enjoy it with you.
Blessings,
Sharon, Maddie, Derek , Winston and JAC
Wednesday, September 13, 2006 11:05 AM CDT
Hello friends,
I would like to thank everyone who celebrated Maddie’s birthday with us, either by email, snail mail or visiting at our home. It really made her day special – we had about 40 people in all attend the house on her birthday, somehow I was able to keep it a surprise so she was quite thrilled. Unfortunately she wasn’t able to stay home the whole 4 hours but she really enjoyed the time she had. A special thank-you to Holly, a wonderful young lady who set up a lemonade stand to raise money for Maddie’s birthday.
We are well into our third month in the hospital, Maddison is still not eating or drinking but they are managing to keep her weight up by feeding her through her NG tube, and now her fingernails are starting to fall off (another side effect of the chemo), but at least her hair is starting to grow in. We are moving forward, we have had a couple of passes so that we could go home for a few hours, so we have enjoyed those hours away. It’s scary when home begins to feels strange and the hosp feels like home, but we have our fingers crossed that it’s all up hill from here. We are constantly changing meds to find the right combination so that she is not so nauseated or in constant pain and so that I am able to continue to care for her at home, possibly by this weekend.
Maddie is able to have visitors, she is still in room 16, 905-521-2100 ext 76952. Please call first incase she’s on a pass.
Thank you for all your support and I hope all is well with your loved ones.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston and JAC
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 2:42 PM CDT
August 22, 2006 at 02:18 PM EDT
Maddie's still not eating but I hope the doctors will still let her go home on her birthday (I’ll kidnap her) this Thurs (24) around 1-8 PM so that we can celebrate her 15th birthday.
I have been asking family and friends to pop in at the house during that time to wish Maddie a happy birthday, It will be more of an open house than a planned party, come and go as you please. I think she would be thrilled if people came and went all afternoon and evening. This should boost her spirits. I'll have food on hand. I hope your able to make it. If she has a great time, I'm hoping that she works extra hard to get out of the hosp!!! Amazingly, she looks really good, we just need to get her eating and get her home for good.
I don’t have a list of Maddies friends and she has lost touch with some over the summer, if you can think of someone that would like to know about this, please pass this on. I will be putting all the Birthday wishes from the website onto a big birthday card to give to her Thurs.
If you need an home address, email me at smbabineau@sympatico.ca
Hope to see you soon,
Sharon
Friday, August 18, 2006 3:14 PM CDT
Hello everyone,
Maddison is now in her 9th week and she is still unable to eat or drink. She underwent a endoscopy- she still shows inflammation of the esophagus and suffers from extreme nausea and burning in her throat, part of the healing process of the transplant . She has had a NG feeding tube put in so that we can get her off of her TPN. Once we are able to get her morphine and other meds through her NG tube I am hoping that we can bring her home to continue to recover there. Maddie is still undergoing physio and tends to fatigues when she walks any distant but her spirits are good. (Beats me at cards) The doctors have promised her that if she is able take in her nutrients and keep it down for 16hrs then they will allow her an 8 hr pass, so I really hope we can get her home soon!!!!! Additional surgery is pending in Sept.
Maddie’s birthday is this coming thurs Aug 24th, she will be 15 years old. She has been fighting cancer since she was diagnosed at 12yrs old, I cant believe so much time has passed and she still has an amazing attitude. My goal is to have her home for her birthday if only for a few hours, although she cant eat yet or go out in public, I hope I can make this birthday special in someway for her. I know there are so many people out there have Maddie in their thoughts, if you wish to sent her your well wishes please do, lets cheer her up. If you need her mailing address to sent a card or note, email me if you don’t have it. She is able to have visitors as long as they are well.
Peace to you and your loved ones,
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston and JAC
Monday, July 31, 2006 12:54 AM CDT
CarePage Name: Carepage4maddie
Hello everyone,
I have a new website for Maddison, through carepages, it sends out an email to everyone on the list whenever I update the site. You do have to sign in and have a password. I think I will try to keep both going sites going with the same info but if you don’t want to register with carepages, you will have to check here for updates ( I will try to be better at updating)
CarePage Name: Carepage4maddie
Go to carepages.com
Click visit a carepage
register - first time users only
enter the exact care page name. Carepage4maddie
sorry couldnt get the hyperlink to work - or you can email me at smbabineau@sympatico.ca and I can email the hyperlink.
Jul 31, 06
After 32 days, Maddie and I returned to Hamilton by ambulance on the weekend. She is now in isolation at McMasters Children’s Hospital. She is still receiving pain control(hydomorphone) and her nutrients by IV as it is almost five weeks now that she hasn’t eaten or drank anything. We are getting worried as she is pretty well bed-ridden and we need to get her strong and healthy. Muscle atrophy, clots are a worry so we are working towards getting her up walking and sips of water.
Her whole system really shut down and she fought hard to recover from the high dose chemo she received. We are still facing surgery as soon as she is strong enough. It’s critical to not have a long lapse from her chemo to getting the tumour out.
I’m happy to be back, I got to spend time with my son!!! I got to take him to Hutches at the beach, and to watch his football practice (2 hr 20 min- in this heat!!) Winston has transferred his affection for me to our cat JAC – so much for loyalty and man’s best friend.
We can be reached at McMasters Children’s Hosp Ward 3b, room 16 Phone 905-521-2100 ext 76952
Cheers for now, hope all is well with you and your loved ones.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston and JAC
1 July 23, 2006 at 08:55 PM EDT
Dear Friends
Maddie is currently undergoing a stem cell transplant at the Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto as part of her treatment for Ewing’s Sarcoma relapse. We have been at the hosp since Jun 27th, 06. After a difficult 4 weeks, Maddie has been moved out of isolation to step down. She is not yet eating or drinking and is on morphine for pain. We are hoping to be home in the next week or so but only time will tell. She’s a real trouper. Maddie can be reached at Hosp for Sick Kids 555 University Ave Toronto. Bone marrow Transplant Unit, Room 8b 63 Phone number 416 813 6915 ext 3423 (no calls will go through after 9 pm)
This new website has been created so that you will receive updates automatically when posted. I apologize if I’m not always current but sometimes I am not up to working on this website, or doing anything but take care of Maddie.
Thanks for all your prayers and best wishes.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek, Winston, and JAC
Sunday, March 19, 2006 5:39 PM CST
RELAPSE
Dear friends its with great sadness I have to share with you the news that Maddison has suffered a setback. After nine months of remission further testing has shown that Maddie’s cancer is back but this time in her right shoulder. We had gone for tests (every three months) and the last test results indicated a mass. Soon after the tests it became quite painful for Maddie to use that arm. We had been anxiously waiting for March break so that we could go to Give Kids the World (GKTW) Village in Florida. Many more tests needed to be done, Maddie had a biopsy of the tumour in her right shoulder and a bone marrow biopsy. Not wanting to delay the treatment I was concerned we may have had to cancel the trip. With the tests results taking days and waiting for second opinions - we had a window where we could take off on our trip and not worry about compromising treatment.
GKTW is a not for profit organization that has created a village where kids are Kings and Queens. Their motto is “Making every day count”. Our trip was sponsored by Help a Child Smile. They are a local organization that help kids with cancer who are being treated through McMasters Children’s Hospital. Our many thanks to Help a Child Smile.
It was incredible, we had our own villa. There was an ice cream parlour that opened all day, you could have ice cream for breakfast. Everything in the village was free. There was a carousel, movie theatre, fishing pond, mini golf, 2 pools, pizzaria, etc…..they thought of everything . Hundreds of volunteers - some Canadians retired and vacationing in Florida volunteered their time too. We had Christmas and everyday the kids received a small gift.
We had passes to Universal, Disney World, Sea World, Gatorland, Medieval Dinner. We rented an airboat and went fishing one day and Maddie caught an 8 pound fish - put the rest of us to shame.
There were a few times that Maddie became sick, I wasn’t able to control her pain and she needed a wheelchair, the evenings were the worst as she couldn’t sleep. I ended up calling the doctor from Florida, and they had a bed ready for us when we landed back in Hamilton. At that time Maddie needed high doses of morphine so they gave it to her by IV. She also needed oxygen - we found out one of her lungs collapsed. It was decided that she needed to start chemo the next day. This was very upsetting news but Maddie is a trouper. All the second opinions were in and all the doctors agreed to start her on Topetecan and Cyclophosphamide. She will be taking two five day sessions of this combination of chemo over the next two months , then a reassessment will be done to see if she responded to the new drug. Maddie will be in hosp till at least Wed March 22. She’s at McMasters Children’s Hospital 905 521-2100 Ward 3B, Room 11. She is accepting calls and visits.- these always cheer her up so feel free to get in contact with her. Please keep us in your prayers and I wish all the best to you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Sharon, Maddie , Derek and Winston
Ps I may be changing websites -although this site has been amazing,I found one that allows me to send each update out automatically to anyone by email so if you would like that, make sure I know your email, or leave a note in the guest book.
Friday, January 13, 2006 10:12 AM CST
Hi Dear Friends,
It’s now the year 2006. I hope for you and your loved ones that this is the best year ever! We are definitely looking forward to this new year!
Maddie is doing well in her first year of high school, her exams are coming up at the end of this month so it’s cram, cram cram.
She got a set of drums for Christmas, we have set them up in the basement as far away as we could.
Derek received games for his PS2 and movies.
It was such a wonderful treat having Christmas at home with no worries of Maddie getting rushed back to the hosp.
The weather here in Hamilton has been incredible. As warm as spring. Our winter season will seem short as we are off to Disney World in March! We can’t wait, have never been there before.
Winston (Pug) is growing and has become an integral part of the family. I don’t know what we would do without him, he’s so cute. Maddie has been working on me to get another one but I think I’ll pass for now.
Well – best wishes and take care my friend.
Bye for now
Sharon , Maddie, Derek, Winston.
Friday, October 21, 2005 10:32 AM CDT
Dear friend,
Having a child diagnosed with cancer is quite devastating and something no one should go through alone. I am so grateful you were there with me as we journeyed through Maddies diagnosis and treatment. It was a very difficult and long year and I thank you for your support.
During our stay at McMaster Children’s Hospital, there were many nights when I was unable or too worried to sleep, during those times I was able to draw strength and comfort from reading inspiring and encouraging books. On some nights, like when we had a 4:00 am emergency admittance, I would forget to pack my books and found those nights very long and lonely. Boy, what I would have done if there was only a way to get my hands on a book!
Now that Maddies treatment is over I would like to use my energy to pay forward all the kindness I received.
I am working on creating a Lending Library for parents who’s children are undergoing treatment at McMaster Children’s Hospital Ward 3C/3B family lounge.
My request of you is twofold:
1st- I invite you to a special (free) presentation of Climb for a Cure, Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa. I had climbed Mt Kilimanjaro to raise money and awareness for ALS in honour my late husband , (Maddie’s Dad) just prior to her diagnosis. I’ve had many requests to share this amazing experience and I would like to present this viewing to you as way of saying thank you on behalf of Maddie and myself.
2nd - During this evening we will be accepting brand new (Adult level ) books so that we can make this dream of a Lending Library a reality. We are accepting books in all languages (cancer touches us all)
For this to be a success, I need your support. Please join us.
The event is at the Legion across from Limeridge Mall
Wed Nov 2nd at 7:00pm.
If your not able to attend, but would like to donate a book please email me at smbabineau@sympatcio.ca.
Sincerely,
Sharon Babineau
Wednesday, August 24, 2005 11:44 PM CDT
Hello Friends
Today is Maddies birthday.
She is now 14 years old.
Happy Birthday Maddie.
We have had a wonderful, quiet summer. Maddie is still receiving lots of physiotherapy and there has been frequent trips to the hosp for tests. She has just completed a whole battery of tests with good results so we are now looking forward to a promising future. Maddie is now preparing for her first year of High School, less that two weeks away!!! Where did the summer go? Shopping for school supplies and the Winona Peach festival are the two sure signs that summer is over. What a shame, it was wonderful to just be here at home with both Maddie and Derek this summer as we healed together. I hope all of you have had as great a summer as we did. Take care
Sharon, Maddie and Derek
PS I finally posted Maddies grad picture.
Sunday, June 19, 2005 10:52 PM CDT
One year to the day that we found out about Maddie’s tumour, she was able to participate in the Relay for Life. Jun 17th It was a 12 hr - 7:00pm to 7:00am non-stop relay to raise money for cancer. Maddie and 12 of her classmates participated in the walk. (She in her wheelchair) Her team was called Maddie and Friends, my team was Moms for Maddie.
They stayed up and walked all night, what an experience! It was a wonderful event. They fed us all night long and there was a special survivor walk at the beginning of the event. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. The kids were still going strong singing at the Karaoke stage at 4:00am in the morning.
Maddie team raised over $1,000.00 , we are very proud of everyone one of them who participated.
Tomorrow Maddie will be going on her first plane ride to visit her Grandpa, my Dad in Saint John NB.
We will be visiting for a few days and have to get back to be ready for Maddie’s graduation the following week. What a year.
There is still a long way to go before we are back to normal and the specialists have told us that Maddie will be followed closely by the hospital for the rest of her life.
We are booked for many tests in August, so we have learned to just take it one day at a time.
Have a wonderful summer.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek and Winston
PS- See new picture
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 9:09 AM CDT
Last day of Chemotherapy
Yesterday was the last day of Maddie’s treatment, a time of relief and gratitude. We are spending the night at the hospital so that they can continue to push fluids intravenously to help flush the chemo from her body. I awoke during the night to the cries of pain from a little girl, an instant reminder of where I was as I began to come out of my sleep. She must have been about 3-4 years old. The nurses must have been trying to draw blood or change a dressing. I know from experience the nurses here are as gentle and compassionate as they can possibly be, but they too have a job to do. I was physically pained by the cries of this little girl, I wished I could take her pain away . I also wanted to bundle up my child and get out of this place, a place where you feel so helpless and where another child’s cry is a reminder of the pain that your child has gone through. I think I am leaving a piece of my soul behind in the hallways of MacKids Hospital Ward 3b.
We are booked for many tests over the next few weeks and will continue to have our bi-weekly clinic visits. It’s still a long road to recovery and I expect we will continue to have a few emergency admittances for the next while, but each step now will be a step forward towards Maddie becoming stronger and healthier. Our next big celebration will be Maddie’s 5 year mark when they can officially say she is cured. During this time will be many smaller celebrations as she tackles the challenges of high school and teenage life.
In five years will be another milestone, Maddie will be 18 yrs old and I will turn 50, so I am hoping we can celebrate in a big way (Mount Everest???)
I will continue to update the website as long as possible so everyone will know how Maddie is doing. You can also reach us at my email address smbabineau@sympatico.ca
I know everyone who has helped us, visited our website and prayed for us are very special people and the world is a better place because of your kindness. I am so honoured that you have chosen to walk this journey with us. I hope you will continue to be in our lives, I know you will forever be in our hearts.
IT IS OVER
……. WE ARE HOME.
REMEMBER TO LOVE YOUR CHILDREN- THEY ARE A PRECIOUS GIFT TO YOU FROM GOD
Love Sharon, Maddie, Derek and Winston.
Friday, April 29, 2005 8:55 PM CDT
We are at the hospital undergoing Maddie’s last chemotherapy treatment!!!!
When we arrived there was a big banner on Maddie’s door with “Congratulations Maddie” on it and all the hospital staff have been stopping by to sign it. I don’t think it has sunk in yet for Maddie or myself, we have been living this lifestyle so long its hard to believe we will be starting a “new “normal life soon. I hope that Maddie gets through this last treatment without getting too sick. The pain management team has been in to see her, they have had to increase her daily morphine she takes as she still has lots of pain from her surgery back in October.
The McMaster Childrens Hosptial Miracles telethon is taking place in the hospital this weekend so there will be lots of action to see while we are here. It’s this Saturday- Sunday watch it if you can, there are many wonderful stories to be told. Maddie has already informed me that she will be staying away from the camera at all costs!
Maddie is looking to work hard to get her strength back so that she can participate in the Relay for Life for the Cancer Society on June 17th (I think). She is putting together a team of friends, they will set up a tent and walk all night long, from 7pm to 7am , what a wonderful way to empower herself. I’m very proud of her. Once she is registered and has her team name up on the Cancer Society’s website I will let everyone know in case they would like to participate, be a supporter or to sponsor.
Thank you for staying with us through this journey, I will update again next week.
Sharon, Maddie Derek and Winston.
Saturday, April 23, 2005 10:12 PM CDT
Dear friends,
We had a nice surprise when we got to the hospital, Maddie only needed two of the three chemo drugs. She did not get the Doxarubicin , that is the drug that is really deceiving, it looks like Kool-Aid ,orange in colour, its quite potent and she usually gets it for 48 hours straight through her veins, and it tends to make her very sick.
We are home now and Maddie is doing well. It’s hard to believe that she only has one more treatment left! I can’t tell you how good that makes me feel.
We had some great weather so we were able to spend an afternoon out, we took Winston down to the beach strip to Hutches for a walk on the boardwalk and for fries and ice cream, a sure sign of summer!
Derek is busy training, he’s entering a chess tournament on Tues, he’s representing his grade from school. He will also be running in the CYO Cross Country Race the following Tues.
Maddie is busy trying to catch up on school work and we will soon be going to her new High School -Brebeauf to get her registered and have a tour. And poor Winston, well…. he got fixed this week so he’s taking it easy .
Thanks for visiting the site and staying with us throughout this difficult time. I'll post again end of next week.
Cheers,
Sharon, Maddie, Derek and Winston
Thursday, April 7, 2005 0:15 AM CDT
Dear Friends,
We ended up spending 8 days in hospital, in isolation. Maddie had a really rough go. She had a fever of 41degrees for over 5 days and this was in addition to all the medical treatment possible being given to her.
She had platelet transfusions, blood transfusions, potassium antibiotics, morphine and she needed to be hooked up to a heart monitor for awhile. It was quite frightening , the worst week she has had, excluding her surgery . She ended up with being diagnosed with pneumonia by the end of the week. She’s lost more weight but she is starting to improve each day.
We have only two more treatments which is great news but its still difficult as each additional treatment causes a longer recovery period and plays havoc with her health and results in more emergency admittances to the hospital.
We are very happy that it’s now spring and that is significant in that it also signals that the end of treatment is near . We started on this journey end of spring last year. We are sometimes in the hospital so long that we lose all concept of time and dates and are often surprised by the changes in the weather which lately seem to change suddenly like the snow storm we had this weekend, it snowed on the mountain where our home is, but it was warm and sunny down the mountain at the hospital only a few minutes away .
Tomorrow we are going back at the hospital to find out if she is well enough to start her next chemo treatment. I don’t think she is well enough to go through with it so soon after her pneumonia , it will depend on how she does with her physical. I’m hoping she can just take a break for the weekend and enjoy feeling good for a change. Sorry I didn’t update this site earlier but this past week caring for Maddie and witnessing her suffering took quite a toll on me too.
All the encouraging words we continue to receive really help us get through this. Our sincere thanks and gratitude
Sharon, Maddie, Derek and Winston
Monday, March 28, 2005 10:21 AM CST
Dear Friends,
Happy Easter
I’m sorry that I missed posting my last entry. Maddie was admitted the 17th till the 23 March. We were finally given the go ahead because her blood count came up to an acceptable level to start chemo.
She was soon neutropenic so she was given her own room. It a much nicer stay when she has her privacy.
We managed to stay home for Easter and enjoyed a Easter egg hunt and a nice meal.
Today is Monday, Maddie has been sick of and on most of the weekend but was able to hold her own until now. This morning Maddie had a fever of 40 degrees, we called into the hospital and again are on standby for a bed. I’ve packed the suitcases but we are just waiting for the call. I hope it comes soon as she is not well at all. Bringing her into the emergency room is an option but she may spend hours in the hallways and many of the staff there are not able to access the port she has in her chest. Our fingers are crossed that we get a call soon. If I don’t update soon, please just assume we have gotten our bed and are ok and I will update when I can access a computer.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek and Winston
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 10:04 AM CST
Dear Friends,
Sorry for the delayed update, I’ve been waiting to get a confirmed admittance date before I updated the site but we keep getting setbacks. Maddie was taken off her GCFS injections last Monday as the clinic said her blood count was good, but when we arrived on Friday for our medical so that she could be admitted that evening , her count had since dropped below the acceptable limits. We were told to come back on Monday and if her count was up then we could start chemo that evening. Well, we went in yesterday and were surprised to hear that her count had not gone up at all during the weekend. The acceptable count of grans were 0.75 and Maddie was 0.70 last Friday and again yesterday. According to the study protocol she is not within the acceptable limits to begin chemotherapy. We have to go in again for our next check-up on Thursday and hope to be admitted that evening if all is well. This delay puts us a week behind our scheduled completion date. We are still pleased as the doctors at the beginning thought we may be months behind by now. Maddie’s nurse said that the longer Maddie is on the chemotherapy the harder it will be for her system to recuperate, so this is to be expected.
I’m just glad we are home for the March break instead of in hospital. Maddie is not feeling very well so we are keeping close to home. Derek is enjoying a hockey tournament this week.
Uncle Kevin is putting the drywall up in our unfinished basement so that Maddie will have a place to go hang out in once she is better.
Maddie missed her grad pictures with her class but we did manage to get Maddie’s graduation pictures done for her school by going to her old school and meeting the photographer there.
I am posting a new picture on the site its of Maddie on her confirmation day with the family. It was quite the task to get her there but I was so pleased she was able to attend such an important life event.
Best wishes to everyone.
Love Sharon, Maddie, Derek and Winston
Tuesday, March 1, 2005 12:46 AM CST
Well its Tuesday, we returned home on the weekend, Maddie was up to a short shopping trip to the mall to get an outfit for her confirmation this coming Saturday. She returned to the clinic yesterday and her counts were down to 0.01 again, she had started to feel a little worse as the weekend went on so she wasn’t surprised. Because of her low counts she cannot go out in public. Her next check up is on Thursday and hopefully she will be recovered enough to be allowed to attend her confirmation ceremony. I think its safe to say we will get her there somehow, its such a big event that we don’t want her to miss it.
We were expecting a big snow storm last night and my son had his fingers crossed that today would be a snow day but unfortunately for him we didn’t get the amount of snow expected. (He should feel better about it when he realizes he is going to have to shovel the snow that we did get when he gets home from school.)
Best wishes
Sharon, Maddie, Derek and Winston
Wednesday, February 23, 2005 9:36 PM CST
Dear Friends,
Maddie completed her latest session of chemo Monday and we were allowed to go home yesterday. Unfortunately Maddison missed her class trip to Camp Brebeuf that was on this week.
This morning Maddison became sick and was in a lot of pain. By noon I realized that she needed to go back to the hospital so we called up but we were told that they had no beds. Maddison was in agony and the only thing they suggested was that if she gets too bad to go to emerg. (last time we went through emerg we waited in the halls for 5 hours before a bed was available.) We were then put on a waiting list in case a bed became available during the night. It was difficult but I tried my best to make Maddie comfortable and waited for the call.
Its 10pm and we got the call to bring Maddie in so we are on our way to the hospital. With some fluids and pain medicine I’m hoping we will be back home soon.
Derek is going to his nanny’s house and I’ve left Winston some food (biscuits) strategically throughout the house (like a Easter hunt) since I wont be home in the morning to feed him but he seems to have found and eaten most of it before we had packed up.
Take care, I’ll update again soon
Sharon , Maddie, Derek and Winston
Friday, February 18, 2005 4:25 PM CST
This morning we went to the hospital to get Maddie’s medical check up so that she could be cleared to be admitted tonight for chemo which will start tomorrow. The children’s cancer clinic that Maddie has been going to has been renovated over the winter and we were finally able to move back into the new and improved clinic this week, it’s a really nice place, colourful, full of games, TVs, and its very kid friendly. Its already packed with children of all ages undergoing treatment. Some from as young as 5 months - some pulling their IV poles, there is the sounds of crying , laughing , and lots of beautiful bald heads and brave faces all around.
Maddie was able to attend a few half days of school this week. She’s still in pain and having difficulty sleeping, but she’s determined that she does not lose this year of school. Next year she is off to high-school so that makes this last year in elementary school very important. Her confirmation is coming up - 5th March. She will be out of the hospital and hopefully up to attending, she is looking forward to shopping for her dress as soon as this chemo session finishes. She picked her saint - St Etheldreda (Audrey). She was not well enough to get her class grad photo’s but we will find a way to get the picture done another day.
As I pack to go to the hospital I go through the motions with the usual sadness. I wonder if Maddie feels as apprehensive as I do, if she does she doesn’t show it. Its difficult to look forward to each treatment knowing your child will go through such pain . The fact that it is necessary does not make it any easier, I still have to force each foot in front of each other as we follow our routine. We always get to the hosp very late in the evening taking advantage of as much freedom as possible , then we pack the car, park in the hosp underground garage and take that familiar elevator up to the 3rd floor once more, then we have to quietly slip into our designated room. I always hope that we get the bed in the back of the room that way we get some privacy and the sunlight from the windows so I can read. If by the luck of the draw we get the front bed we are inadvertently on display for everyone who passes by the room. I end up sleeping on the cot with my feet sticking out of the room door. So far its been about 50/50 odds.
I’m packing the regular stuff, change of clothes, games, food, and pyjamas - yes its really a sight to see - us adults walking throughout the corridors of the ward all hours of the day in our pyjamas, towels, laptops , preparing foods in the kitchen etc. It becomes a second home to us and the staff are so wonderful and caring. We are so grateful for the life saving treatment Maddie is undergoing.
I have great news - MADDIE HAS ONLY 4 MORE TREATMENTS.
Sunday, February 6, 2005 10:30 PM CST
Maddie is home and getting her strength back, and she is hoping to get to attend a few days of school this week!!
I would like to take this journal entry and dedicate it to Maddie’s godmother Christine Crawford. Besides being Maddie’s loving god-mother, she is an accomplished and published poet. This is Christine’s expression of love to Maddie
A POEM FOR MADDIE
Precious child
Your pure gentle heart
Comforts my soul
---
Sweet baby
In my arms
On your Baptism day
---
Small hand holding
Mine on walks
Through childhood
Treasured memories
---
I write through tears
Saying trust
Feel the love
That surrounds you
---
Prayer is a laser
Igniting within flesh
God’s healing love
---
Prayer is a blanket
Sword and shield
Unfailing love
---
I wish that you
And all children
Stay safe, not stumble
Be afflicted with disease
---
A lamentation
I cannot afford
It takes time
Away from prayer
---
Maddie lets sing
A bit today
Turn tears into smiles
Feel the sunshine
Penetrate the pain
---
Think about
Puppies and cute guys
Best friends, little brothers
Giggles and snowflakes
---
We are promised
A light leading us
Through both
The happy, the sad
---
Dearest Maddison
Cherished child of God
Receive my love
---
Your Godmother
Christine
Christine Crawford
January 2005
Friday, January 28, 2005 6:20 PM CST
Hi everyone,
Its been so long since I have updated I have to think when it was we got out of the hospital….Saturday.. I think…. She got some of her strength back and is able to keep some food down. She was booked today to get an ultrasound of her stomach since she is constantly having pain in her stomach. They will see if there has been some damage to it or any of her organs. She is also booked for another Xray, CAT Scan, Bone Scan and MRI this coming week. I think these tests are routine so that the doctors can track and compare images from the beginning till we are completed her treatment. Maddie did manage to go to school for two half days this week, pretty amazing huh . She also spent two nights working on her science project with her classmates. She missed the class trip to see the new high school they will be attending but we will arrange so that we can go at a later date. How intimidating- moving up to high school. Somehow I don’t think Maddie will be too intimidated by much after she finishes her battle with cancer. We were going to book our long awaited trip to Disney world next month but have been advised to wait till her treatment is over and she is feeling stronger. But,I cant wait to go - they have an 24 hr free ice cream parlour!
Derek has been assigned an buddy (Brock) from Camp Trillium, kind of a big brother so that he gets some attention too. Our whole family has been greatly affected by Maddie’s illness and its very important to not forget the younger siblings. This brings me to another program we were introduced to by Mac Children’s Hospital - SuperSibs. They really think of everything. This program identifies and supports siblings as they are sometimes neglected as we are busy caring for Maddie’s needs. Anyways, this program sends Derek special mail to let him know he is thought of.
Tonight we are heading back in for our next chemo treatment. We start chemo tomorrow Saturday and continue for 5 days. Maddie’s grad school pictures are on Thursday next week. I hope she is able to feel well enough to be released from the hospital so that she can attend . Its such a memorable moment that you only get once.
Remember visiting Maddie will cheer her up and make the time go by much quicker, just call first if you can to see if she’s up and OK. Don’t forget sometimes Maddie is not very talkative during her treatment but she appreciates the effort of those who visit. Phone # 905-521-5040 will get you the ward receptionist.
Take care , thanks for being with us on our journey , it makes it not so overwhelming.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek and Winston p.s. did you see Winston’s Christmas picture - go to view photos, Maddie’s dad is there too.
Monday, January 17, 2005 6:39 PM CST
Dear friends,
I know its been awhile, I’ve been hoping each day that I could share the news that Maddie would wake up and feel great but that has yet to happen. It seems the chemo is hitting her harder each session, it must have to do with the accumulative affect of the drug. She gets it flowing into her veins for 48 continuous hours so that’s quite a lot for her body to take. She’s a real trouper and tries to overcome each set back. I don’t know how she puts up with the pain she endures very moment of every day .
Today was our bi-weekly update at the hospital, remember when I wondered if her count could get below 0.01, well today we found out the answer - yes. Her grans reading was 0.00. She is now neutropenic and may need another blood transfusion when we return to clinic on Thurs. We now have to watch out for any sign of a fever and she will have to be readmitted and isolated. If she manages to keep her temp down she wont have to go in till Jan 28th.
On a family note, Derek had a hockey tournament in Brantford on the weekend. I was able to attend with him but Maddie stayed back with her Aunt Sue. He had four games in total that weekend , three in Brantford and one back home, he won MVP for his last game.
If all goes well Maddie should be done her treatment in May and hopefully pick up where she left off -enjoying her childhood with her friends as carefree as possible. The clinic seems pleased that Maddie is right on schedule, they had prepared us to expect the treatment to last up to 14 months because of probable complications and setbacks.
We got a new digital camera for Christmas, and when I learn how to down load the pictures I’ll post some new ones. Maddie noticed that there was only two pictures of her and Derek on Christmas Day and about 40 of Winston. I’m having a hard time explaining that!
Question: Our puppy is chewing everything …. any advice?
Oh, by the way for those of you who do not live in this area - may I gloat…..we had such warm weather this past week 17 degrees at one point. I think it was a new record. Don’t fret, its freezing again already.
With love, Maddie Sharon Derek and Winston
Update:
Its Wednesday afternoon, Maddison became sick again within hours of the last update. We were readmitted Tues morning for a blood transfusion and intravenous morphine for pain. The hospital was so overcrowded that even though Maddie should have been isolated she was put in a room with 3 other people ( including two boys!)
We were in a very confined space but we were first on the list for the next isolation room. It was so bad they were turning away chemotherapy patients. This morning we got the news we were moving to a private room #15, we were very happy until we realized they were moving a small 7 month old baby that was waiting for a transplant out to make room for us. The baby was no longer neutropenic and Maddie was. Its difficult as a mother to not feel for the other mother who is going through such difficult times but she smiled and she understood , and we too will probably be bumped tomorrow if Maddie is feeling any better. Maddie has lost a lot of weight, she hasn’t had a real meal in over a month and they are deciding whether to start feeding her through her port. I cant wait to fatten her up.
Maddie’s extension is 76159. She’s able to see people if they are feeling healthy. I hope we will get out tomorrow but if she cannot swallow her pills we will have to stay so that she can get them intravenously until she’s capable of taking them herself.
Sharon
Friday, January 7, 2005 8:59 PM CST
Dear friends - Hoping everyone had a great New Years celebration.
Maddie became sick on the 27th of Dec and ended up staying in the hospital for a week.
Because she was neutropenic she had to be isolated so the upside to that was having her own room.
Undaunted by being in the hospital on New Years Eve - we celebrated anyways, Maddie, Kevin (Uncle) and myself. Kevin always working hard to keep Maddie in good spirits showed up with a New Years Eve party package. You should of seen us at midnight - blowing the noise makers (because we were in the hospital and had to be quiet we took the sound pieces off so no noise came out!) We had our hats and confetti which we threw and the whole room was covered. Maddie was unable to eat because of the ulcers she had in her mouth which were very very painful so we skipped the food but brought sparkling juice. It was fun and silly and we were able to wish last year to be far behind us and look with much hope to the year to come.
It seems like we’ve barely been home and its time to go back in this evening (Fri Jan 7th) for the next treatment. We don’t know the room number yet but we can be reached at our ward at 905-521-5040.
With luck we will be back home again on Monday as this is the short chemo session.
The kids loved all the gifts they received over the holidays and are looking forward to returning to school (not).
Best wishes,
Sharon, Maddie Derek and Winston.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 1:05 PM CST
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Babineaus
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas this year. Ours was really wonderful. Maddie completed her chemo by the 22 of Dec so that we were home in time for Christmas. Christmas day was great, a wonderful meal with family members in attendance and the tree was unexpectedly full of gifts. Many thanks to the secret Santa’s who made this Christmas so special for us.
Although Maddie had a good Christmas and Boxing Day, unfortunately she became ill shortly after and we had an emergency admittance to the hospital. She is now in isolation with her temperature over 40+ degrees and immune system wiped out (0.01- can it get any lower?) On top of this she also has the Norwalk Virus. She has been responding well to the antibiotics and resting comfortably with morphine.
We are in room 11, 905-521-2100 ext 75979. She is allowed visitors who are healthy. We hope to be home soon , especially since we are due to go back next Friday for her next chemo session.
Sorry for the short update but I need to get back to the hosp, just came home for a quick shower , say hi to my son, pat the dog and update the website.
If you don’t hear from me by New Years then let me now wish everyone a safe and fun New Years Eve.
All our love, Sharon, Maddie, Derek and Winston.
Friday, December 17, 2004 8:16 PM CST
Dear Friends,
It’s Friday night and we are getting ready to return to the hospital. We like to postpone it till as late as possible then we have to sneak in quietly in case Maddie has a roommate. Again the family has to split up, Derek to Uncle Kevin’s house and Winston (puppy) to Auntie Sue’s for the week. The hopes are that we will all be together again by Christmas Eve.
For those who do not live near us - we have snow!!! Not a lot but the ground is covered with a small amount, befitting for this time of the year.
Maddie and Derek are very excited about Christmas, (help -I still need to shop!)
The draw for the raffle was done an hour ago and the lucky winner of the new Washer and Dryer gratefully donated by Maytag Canada has gone to ticket number #11. The winner has been notified and they are ecstatic as they are soon to be moving into their new home. A special thanks to Rick and Tina Mattatall as they sold 50% of all tickets purchased. An amazing $4,300.00 was raised.
Well I hope to see some of you during the holidays , again for those who would like to visit, we will be at McMaster’s Childrens Hospital, Ward 3b, Call 905-521-2100 for the room number as we always move around.
Best wishes and happy holidays, I hope our next update is to say we are safe and sound at home and tucked into our own beds waiting for Santa.
Merry Christmas,
Sharon, Maddie, and Derek
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 11:20 AM CST
Dear Friends.
It’s been a good week . We have been mostly relaxing and getting ready for Christmas, putting the tree up, baking, etc.
Maddison has been feeling better and has gone back to school half days till the xmas break.
Derek celebrated his birthday this weekend, his real birth date is Wed Dec 15th. He’s turning 9.
Hardly any shopping done yet, its going to be a different kind of Christmas this year, too many distractions and concerns but we are trying to get into the spirit. We are going into the hospital again this Fri night and will hopefully be out the late the 23 or hopefully by the latest Christmas eve, the 24th Dec.
It’s hard to believe its December the weather here is beautiful , nice and green with mild temperatures, but of course we are hoping for a white Christmas (then the snow can leave again!)
We are having the draw for the new washer and dryer that was so kindly donated by Maytag to us this Fri Dec 17th.
Tickets are still available, if you want to buy or sell some tickets please let us know by email smbabineau@sympatico.ca Can be purchased up to Fri afternoon at the latest.
The lucky winner will have a great Christmas gift. The tickets are $2.00 or 3/$5.00 We wish everyone who bought one the best of luck and thank you for your support. The winning number will be posted on the website (the winner will be called).
Keep in touch over the holidays and we are happy to have our friends visit while in hosp or over the Christmas break.
Sincerely,
Sharon, Maddie, and Derek
Tuesday, November 30, 2004 10:50 AM CST
We went in on the weekend for another round of chemo, they withheld one of the chemo drugs she usually takes as it is too lethal to take simultaneously with the radiation. Her skin is quite burnt and will remain sore for a few weeks then it should be ok. We are so happy that she is able to eat again and eat she does! It must be the steroids - she eats the equivalence of what four people would eat in one sitting. We’re pleased to be home again, Maddie had her last radiation yesterday-six straight weeks of daily trips now over. Tonight will be her “end of radiation celebration!”
We continue to be amazed and humbled by the generosity and giving spirit of everyone . Here is another example of the kindness from strangers we have received. About a month ago I sent request in to the Oprah Winfrey Show - she wanted to received requests for her segment on “dreams come true“. I sent in a package with a request for Maddie to go to the MTV Awards which Maddie said she would love to do. I wrapped it with bright pink bristle board and wrote all over the package with the hopes it wouldn’t be overlooked . I wasn’t very confident we would get a reply but I am always a dreamer and know you cant get what you didn’t ask for. Well….we didn’t hear from Oprah but something just as wonderful happened, someone else unexpectedly saw the plea and responded, Maddie received a package in the mail today from the staff at Canada Post - Kitchener Mail Processing Plant. They saw her parcel being sent to the Oprah Show and they said it softened their hearts and they wanted Maddie to know they are thinking of her and that DREAMS DO COME TRUE. They sent her a Angel of Hope statue and a gift certificate. I don’t know if they realize how much these unexpected acts of kindness lift our spirits and allow us to continue to get through each day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them - Rela, Triema, Diane, Peggy and co-workers of the Kitchener Mail Processing Plant. Your kindness wont be forgotten.
All the best,
Sharon, Maddie ,Derek and Winston
Tuesday, November 30, 2004 10:49 AM CST
We went in on the weekend for another round of chemo, they withheld one of the chemo drugs she usually takes as it is too lethal to take simultaneously with the radiation. Her skin is quite burnt and will remain sore for a few weeks then it should be ok. We are so happy that she is able to eat again and eat she does! It must be the steroids - she eats the equivalence of what four people would eat in one sitting. We’re pleased to be home again, Maddie had her last radiation yesterday-six straight weeks of daily trips now over. Tonight will be her “end of radiation celebration!”
We continue to be amazed and humbled by the generosity and giving spirit of everyone . Here is another example of the kindness from strangers we have received. About a month ago I sent request in to the Oprah Winfrey Show - she wanted to received requests for her segment on “dreams come true“. I sent in a package with a request for Maddie to go to the MTV Awards which Maddie said she would love to do. I wrapped it with bright pink bristle board and wrote all over the package with the hopes it wouldn’t be overlooked . I wasn’t very confident we would get a reply but I am always a dreamer and know you cant get what you didn’t ask for. Well….we didn’t hear from Oprah but something just as wonderful happened, someone unexpected saw the plea and responded, Maddie received a package in the mail today from the staff at Canada Post - Kitchener Mail Processing Plant. They saw her parcel being sent to the Oprah Show and they said it softened their hearts and they wanted Maddie to know they are thinking of her and that DREAMS DO COME TRUE. They sent her a Angel of Hope statue and a gift certificate. I don’t know if they realize how much these unexpected acts of kindness lift our spirits and allow us to continue to get through each day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them - Rela, Triema, Diane, Peggy and co-workers of the Kitchener Mail Processing Plant. Your kindness wont be forgotten.
Bye for now- all the best,
Sharon, Maddie ,Derek and Winston
Tuesday, November 30, 2004 10:49 AM CST
We went in on the weekend for another round of chemo, they withheld one of the chemo drugs she usually takes as it is too lethal to take simultaneously with the radiation. Her skin is quite burnt and will remain sore for a few weeks then it should be ok. We are so happy that she is able to eat again and eat she does! It must be the steroids - she eats the equivalence of what four people would eat in one sitting. We’re pleased to be home again, Maddie had her last radiation yesterday-six straight weeks of daily trips now over. Tonight will be her “end of radiation celebration!”
We continue to be amazed and humbled by the generosity and giving spirit of everyone . Here is another example of the kindness from strangers we have received. About a month ago I sent request in to the Oprah Winfrey Show - she wanted to received requests for her segment on “dreams come true“. I sent in a package with a request for Maddie to go to the MTV Awards which Maddie said she would love to do. I wrapped it with bright pink bristle board and wrote all over the package with the hopes it wouldn’t be overlooked . I wasn’t very confident we would get a reply but I am always a dreamer and know you cant get what you didn’t ask for. Well….we didn’t hear from Oprah but something just as wonderful happened, someone unexpected saw the plea and responded, Maddie received a package in the mail today from the staff at Canada Post - Kitchener Mail Processing Plant. They saw her parcel being sent to the Oprah Show and they said it softened their hearts and they wanted Maddie to know they are thinking of her and that DREAMS DO COME TRUE. They sent her a Angel of Hope statue and a gift certificate. I don’t know if they realize how much these unexpected acts of kindness lift our spirits and allow us to continue to get through each day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them - Rela, Triema, Diane, Peggy and co-workers of the Kitchener Mail Processing Plant. Your kindness wont be forgotten.
Bye for now- all the best,
Sharon, Maddie ,Derek and Winston
Wednesday, November 24, 2004 8:04 PM CST
Hello friends,
Its been a difficult week and I’m not always sure of my dates anymore but I think we got out last Friday night , Maddie was very sick throughout the weekend . She had been literally starving the last two weeks and it was very difficult to stand by and not be able to do anything for her. The first week was the nausea from the chemo and the second week was her throat from the effects of the radiation. She is going in again this weekend but I am very glad to say it will be the last time she had chemo and radiation simultaneously.
She’s eating now (making up for lost time) and getting her strength back.
She’s hoping to get back to school soon , she’s been doing some schooling in the hospital (imagine that - who thought up a classroom in a hospital!).
We are looking forward to putting our Christmas tree up when we get out after this next round of chemo. We go in this Saturday night and come out on Monday if she’s feeling well enough.
We are having a blast with our new puppy (except for all the accidents!). I hope to get more pictures to share soon. When we got back from the hosp this last time he was double the size he was when we left.
Maddie is working on a makeover for her room - I wont say what theme it is but she’s very excited and we will have a grand unveiling when it is done and post pictures.
Hope all is well with everyone and your loved ones and that your looking forward to Christmas as much as we are.
Oh yes, for Christmas Maddison has decided to adopt a young child from Africa through World Vision, she has been watching the program while in the hospital, what a thoughtful idea, only a dollar a day and you can save someone’s life. She’s so grateful for what she has here in Canada and wants to make a difference in someone else’s life. Pretty amazing that she is thinking of others at such a difficult this time in her own life.
Well that’s it for now, talk to you soon.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek
Wednesday, November 17, 2004 2:51 PM CST
Dear friends,
I cant believe its been almost 11 days since we went back in the hospital for her last chemo treatment.
Having chemo and radiation together is really taking its toll on Maddie. We were able to come home Saturday but had to be readmitted Sunday due to the fact she was very ill and in lots of pain . Her immune system is wiped out and she is now in isolation. She may be needing a blood transfusion in the next few days. I was dismayed to find out I could not be a donor since I have to wait one year from my return from Africa to be able to give blood. Its not that I don’t trust the system, I just wanted to be involved instead of feeling so helpless.
Maddie has made many friends with the drivers from EMS who take her daily over to the Henderson Hospital for her radiation - I hear they fight over who gets to drive her! They also have invited her to visit them at their station house once she is better. Something to look forward to.
We better get out soon since we are already booked to come in again at the end of next week for her next session of chemo.
Looking forward to coming home! See you then. Maddie, Sharon, Derek
Monday, November 8, 2004 12:51 AM CST
Dear Friends,
Its Monday Nov 8th, we came back into the hospital last night to undergo another week of chemo and radiation. Life lately has been filled with going to the hospital and training our new puppy Winston. (see photo )
Maddison is still healing from her surgery , she will probably be off for the rest of the month and then hopefully back to school in December.
Last weekend was the fundraiser for Maddison put on by Diane Ferreira (Samantha’s sister) and family. The day was a wonderful success over $8,000.00 raised. First we were met with a surprise, a limousine out side our door to take us to St Mary’s Parish Hall. The hall was lovely and decorated beautifully for Halloween and we were served a four course meal. There was over 400 people in attendance, lots of witches and goblins and ghosts. A special video was made so that we can remember this event. Everyone had a great time. On behalf of Maddie, myself and Derek we would like to sincerely thank all of those who contributed to make this event successful, especially all the people in the Portuguese community who rallied to show they cared even though many of them did not know us but they knew we needed help during this trying time and they were there for us. Thank you.
We will be at McMaster Childrens Hospital till Saturday, we are in room 21, just call 521-2100 and ask for ward 3b. I’m sure Maddie would appreciate a visit from her friends to help make the week go quicker.
Bye for now,Sharon, Maddie, Derek
Monday, October 25, 2004 2:15 PM CDT
Dear Friends,
Its been a week since my last update, sorry for the delay but its been just a blur. Maddie was readmitted Monday night to start her chemo treatment and we found out the schedule for her radiation. It started last Thursday and will continue DAILY during the week till DEC! This I wasn’t expecting. She will have to endure the radiation because the safety margin from her surgery is too close to call. So she was transferred by ambulance while in the hosp since the treatment is at another hospital - the Jurvanski cancer clinic on the mountain. Maddie enjoyed the ambulance rides. We got out Friday but went in again on Saturday since we couldn’t get the nausea and pain under control. We are back home again and will be getting ourselves to the radiation appointments from home. We are looking forward to get our dog this coming weekend. Maddie has already bought dog clothes for him. (Poor dog). We are undecided but leaning towards Winston as his name. Once we get pictures we will post them (He’s a pug)
See you Sunday at the benefit.
Sharon, Maddie, Derek
Monday, October 18, 2004 6:47 PM CDT
Dear Friends,
Well, it was nice to be home if only temporarily. Tonight we are heading back to the hospital to be admitted again.
The pathology report came back and they feel we need to start the radiation and chemotherapy right away. Both at once, and she’s not even recovered from surgery! Radiation will start tomorrow morning and chemotherapy in the afternoon. My guess is that we will be in till Thurs evening or Fri. I’m worried this will really take a toll on Maddie‘s already frail body, but they have to treat this type of cancer aggressively.
On Saturday hopefully if Maddie is up to it, we will be heading to Buffalo to see our new puppy. We will not be taking ownership of it till the following week.( I see the puppy as therapy for the family.)
I apologize that I have been too busy with the surgery that I haven’t been able to get the word out about a fundraiser going on Sunday October 31, 2004 (yes on Halloween) Its being planned by Maddie’s close friend’s sister Diane Ferreira and her family . They wanted to help the family and have a fun event that would involve the younger kids. So they are having a lovely catered (sit-down) lunch and dance. Beginning at 2:00pm along with Halloween activities and contests. The event is for adults and kids. It should be lots of fun - an opportunity to dress up in costume and enjoy the afternoon. (lots to do before the younger kids go trick or treating) and lots for the older crowd. I think for the first time in years I will get into the spirit of Halloween and dress up too.
The event is at St Mary’s Parish Hall 56 Mulberry St Hamilton, Sunday October 31 at 2:00pm.
Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for kids (13 and under). A great opportunity for Maddie to relax and enjoy the company of her friends that she has missed so much over the past 5 months.
Please email smbabineau@sympatico.ca or leave a message @ 905-389-8046 if you are interested in attending. Tickets need to be purchased ahead of time (this week) so that they have a head count for the caterer. Its going to be a great event - hope to see you there.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004 10:53 AM CDT
Dear friends,
We had a bit of a set back yesterday, Maddie ended up in emerg last night, we are now back in hosp - ward 3c room 7 , phone# 905-521-2100x73012 . We can be reached there.
The concern right now is pain management, she did not respond well coming off the morphine. She is experiencing nerve pain down her left side and hand. The doctors feel she needs a little more time for the healing. We are hoping to get home again as soon as possible.
Sincerely, Sharon , Maddie, Derek
Tuesday, October 12, 2004 8:57 AM CDT
We are home!
After 11 days we finally made it home. Maddie was able to come off her morphine pump yesterday and we are trying to control her pain with oral meds. Unfortunately last night was a long night as it was difficult to manage her pain enough to give her a good night sleep but at least she is in the comfort of her own home. It will take some time for her body to heal. Today we have off but tomorrow we have to go back to the cancer clinic where they will fit her with her foam body mould, this will be used for her radiation if required. Although they are not sure if she is going to get radiation (waiting for pathology report) the doctors felt is was necessary to prepare for the radiation just in case. Next week we will be readmitted for her next round chemo treatments, its quite daunting how aggressive they are at treating this type of cancer. No rest or breaks from the treatment. If the radiation is given, she will undergo the radiation and chemo simultaneously . Bye for now. Sharon, Maddie, Derek
Tuesday, October 5, 2004 4:28 PM CDT
Dear Friends - Its Tuesday afternoon ( I think) and Maddison has just been moved from ICU to the step down ward 3C where she will stay until she is a bit stronger then she will be transferred to Ward 3B.
Her lung has collapsed so there is concern over that but she continues to grow stronger each day.
Sorry I haven’t been able to get back to anyone because its been steady 24/7 at the hospital the last five days. I’ve been taking turns fighting with my brother and sister over who got the couch or chair in the waiting room each night as none of us wanted to leave Maddie‘s side. (There is only a chair in ICU rooms)
Now that we are at a ward I will be able to get a cot to sleep beside Maddie for the rest of her stay.
She has been able to get up today and sit in a chair, her lungs are still draining but her incision is healing well. She is still managing her pain with her own morphine pump. Lots of her tubes have been removed so she can get around better, she is still on oxygen and she has 70 staples in her back .I have been appointed the official back scratcher, an exhausting job!
Her spirits are well and she even asked where her homework was….imagine that .
If you want to track us down we are at 905-521-2100 ask for McMaster ‘s Childrens Hosp Ward 3C - we will be there for a day or two then moved to 3B- same number to reach us.
Sincerely, Sharon, Maddie and Derek
Sunday, October 3, 2004 10:14 AM CDT
Dear friends,
I have wonderful news. They were able to take Maddie’s tumour out intact. The tumour was stuck to her left lung so they did have to remove part of her lung , they also removed three ribs. They had to cut through a few nerves that were encased in the tumour so she will have some loss of feeling in her chest area. There was also some nerve damage to her left arm, there was one nerve that they had to scrape, they did not want to compromise her use of her arm so they did the best they could. There is a possibility of a few cancer cells left in the body so they will send samples to pathology to see if she will still need to undergo radiation.
The surgery took from 8:00am till 7:30pm, a very long day , but we got updates throughout the day.
Its been a difficult 2 days, she’s still in ICU, there has been an ongoing problem with pain management . It was difficult keeping Maddie sedated. She is now on a morphine pump that she controls herself . She’s off her respirator and her swelling has gone down so she can now see and move around a bit.
Maddie throughout this has been able to smile and thank everyone around her as they assisted with her care.
We had a frightening moment in ICU while she was ventilated, there was a power failure, as it turned out it was pre-planned by the hospital but we were not told. The backup generators started right away and Maddie was breathing 80 n her own then but it was quite scary at the time.
So today is a great day, Maddie is well on her way to recovery , she is showing incredible strength and courage and I feel so blessed to be her Mom.
Will keep you posted - thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. THEY WORKED.
Thursday, September 30, 2004 4:24 PM CDT
Dear friends,
The surgery is tomorrow morning at 8:00am, we are to be there by 6:30am. I will be gowning up and going into the operating room with Maddie till she is put under. The surgery should take all day, the surgeons feel it may be necessary to remove up to three ribs and part of her left lung in order to get as much of the tumour as they can. There is concern that it is very close to the spine T1-4 so radiation will also be needed after.
Its expected that she’ll spend some time in ICU then she will be transferred to ward 3b. The doctors feel she probably will not be going back to school till the new year but Maddie has her own ideas on that!! She’s determined to lose as little school as possible.
I’ve broken down and promised the family a dog. Its been on our wish list for a long time and this seems like the best time for it since Maddie and I will be at home for the winter. I see it as a type of physiotherapy for the spirit. We have decided on a pug dog which will be ready mid October.
Tonight we are going to visit friends and keep Maddie up late driving ATV’s in the country and having lots of fun. My hope is that we exhaust her so that she is too tired to worry about tomorrow’s surgery.
We take great comfort in all the prayers and good wishes we have been receiving and will bring those thoughts with us into the waiting room tomorrow. I will try to update the website as soon as I can. I expect our stay to be around 10 days in hosp but will try to update by Monday when I can access the hospitals computer. Sharon, Maddie, Derek
Sunday, September 19, 2004 10:04 PM CDT
$21,000.00 RAISED!!
Dear friends and family, please excuse me for delaying the posting of our results, I know everyone has been anxious to find out how much money we raised. I have been so overwhelmed by the success of Friday night’s benefit that I have been unable to find the appropriate words to write and thank everyone.
Friends from all over came together and supported our family. A sold out crowd! - it was a night we will never forget. From Connie, Smith our guest speaker, to Brian Roman our special guest singer (great show) , the newspaper reporters, local TV stations coverage, DJ, dancing, food, and lots of tears and laughter.
(Sorry we ran out of beer !!! the man from the LCBO thought we should have 50/50 of beer / liquor, boy was he wrong.)
This show of love and caring will benefit us much longer than the chemo treatments.
Maddie’s mad money box brought in $847.00 . With the other money going to bills, it was so great see Maddie get her own money to do what she wishes with it. She likes a night out at the playdium before her Chemo treatments.
Now, for the grand finale - for those who were not able to be at the event I would like to share the news that Maddie’s tumour has shrunk more than 60 percent.The doctors said she has shown excellent results from the chemo. We are meeting with the surgeon tomorrow. Maddie’s surgery is going to be on Oct 1st. We feel much stronger now and will take all the good wishes we received Friday night with us to comfort us during the upcoming surgery.
Again dear friends, accept our gratitude for being there when we needed you.
We will never forget it.
Love Maddie, Sharon, Derek.
Sunday, September 12, 2004 8:56 PM CDT
Well the first week of school is over and everyone is settling in well. The kids look great with their new uniforms and they were very excited about school starting .
This week will be full of medical tests over the next four days (bone scan, echo, MRI, cat scan etc… )and Maddie will miss a few days of school.
The doctors need to re-look at the tumour to decide the best way to remove as much of it as possible. It’s in a tricky place being in her chest but the doctors are the best and we are very hopeful.
Maddie had a good weekend, she had few friends over for a sleepover and she’s kept herself busy.
We have been met with such an outpour of support its overwhelming. The benefit dance set for this Friday Sept 17th, is almost sold out and friends are busy selling draw tickets and silent auction items are showing up on our doorstep daily. We really feel blessed by all this support, and it really makes each day easier knowing everyone is praying for our family…. Bye for now, .Sharon , Maddie, Derek
Wednesday, September 8, 2004 8:07 PM CDT
We had a bit of a set back, Maddie was to be out of the hospital Monday night - she was looking forward to this as she has been anticipating going to school on the first day. She had a rough go this session , was not keeping food down and was not well enough to leave Monday night. But, by Tues morning she said she was fine enough to go home which she did, and she attended school Tuesday afternoon. Her teacher and classmates were very happy to see her again.
She has been able to complete her second day. I can tell it takes tremendous effort for her to do this. Her body feels bruised all over and she is not able to lie down or sleep hardly at all. I haven’t been able to find a way to comfort her - its very frustrating, She doesn’t complain much though. What a kid!
Saturday, September 4, 2004 12:43 AM CDT
Today is day three of Maddie’s chemo. She’s a bit under the weather, has lost some weight and is sleeping as much as possible. This really is the best thing to do under the circumstances. Maddie’s uncle Kevin who is always by her side has been sick these last few days and has had to stay away. A difficult thing for him to do. Her friend is with her now so I have snuck off to do a few chores. There was a beautiful story written about Maddie in the Hamilton Mountain News. If you do not receive the paper and would like a copy please email me and I will email it to you smbabineau@sympatico.ca
It’s the long weekend, hard to believe. Haven’t really had an opportunity to get out much and now the summer is gone. (or did we really have one??? weather has been awful)
Maddie is determined to go to school the first day, lets all say a special prayer for Maddie and hope she get this wish.
Surgery should be taking place the last week of this month
Hope all is well with you, take care. Maddie, Sharon, Derek
Monday, August 30, 2004 10:16 PM CDT
Yesterday we went to purchase the new school uniforms for Maddison and Derek. This is the first year for the new mandatory blue and white school uniforms for all the catholic elementary schools in Hamilton. Maddison has been working hard to get ready for the new school year. We have gotten all her books and supplies and she has them labelled and packaged up. She’s determined to not miss the first day of school . With her chemo ending Monday and school starting the next day I’m not sure this will be possible but we will try our best to get her there if she is well enough.
Today was a medical check up and physical at the hospital for Maddison to get her ready for her next treatment on Thursday. Her blood count was good but she has a cough so they had to do x-rays as a precaution to rule out pneumonia. It looks like we are cleared to go ahead with the treatment. Tomorrow I have Maddie booked to see a naturopath with the hopes that there is something more that we can do to help beat this cancer. I think diet and nutrition will play a big role in keeping her immune system healthy.
Our diets have changed for the better - I haven’t had too much resistance with keeping the sweets away and Maddie has put on more that 10 lbs from when she first started her treatment. She needs the extra weight because she will loose a lot after her surgery. The doctors say she looks great. This is a good sign. - Bye for now - thanks for all the well wishes. Sharon, Maddie, Derek
Saturday, August 28, 2004 10:28 AM CDT
Maddison had a wonderful 13th birthday. Thanks to Ziggy and Dennis owners of PAC Contracting 535 Barton St E Stoney Creek. They sponsored her birthday party! Maddison and a few friends went to the Mandarin for an all you could eat lunch buffet (this was the first time Maddie had to pay the full price as she always ate there at half price for 12 and under). After lunch we shopped at Winners then headed out to the Playdium in Mississauga . It was a full fun filled day for all. Because we were out so long we had to bring along her medicine and she decided to go out to the car when it was time and have her injection there. She didn’t like the idea of ruining her party by returning home early because of her medicine schedule. She’s a real trouper.
Thursday we met with a radiologist. It looks like she will have to under go a couple of months of radiation after her surgery and along with her chemotherapy. They have to make a foam body cast so that she stays in the same spot for each treatment. Probably 25 sessions in all. The next set of tests she will be getting mid Sept will show how well she is responding to the treatment and how small the tumour has shrunk , so we are all keeping our fingers crossed and praying that all is well. Bye for now. Thanks for your support and prayers.
Maddie, Sharon, Derek
Tuesday, August 24, 2004 0:00 AM CDT
Maddison turns thirteen today! Happy Birthday Maddie
I wanted to stay up to be the first to wish Maddie a Happy Birthday . Now a teenager (should I be worried?)
Our five days at Camp Trillium was a wonderful experience. Each family was assigned a special friend on arrival . Our friend was Becky. We enjoyed her company, she was a lot of fun, and anything we wanted - she made it happen. We hiked, did rock climbing, high ropes, kayaking, sailing, swimming etc. You name it - the camp provided it. The food was great, we had nightly campfires and sing alongs,
There was three nurses on staff and it was arranged so that we just had to go into the nearest town for the bi-weekly blood work instead of all the way back to Hamilton.
Maddison was a natural at catching frogs - she was so good that on our last night she was awarded with a #1 Frog catching award from the thankful campers. What a great time.
Hope to have new pictures soon.
Sincerely, Sharon ,Maddie Derek
Tuesday, August 17, 2004 12:38 AM CDT
Gone camping - see you sunday Aug 22nd
Friends have asked that we post this:
Moving Mountains for Maddie
Our friend Sharon (widowed with two small children)as the sole provider she is unable to leave her daughter’s side thus unable to continue to work. A committed and recognized community leader/volunteer, we her friends are rallying to show our support by arranging a benefit dinner dance and we need your help to make it a success.
“Moving Mountains for Maddie” will be held at:
The Royal Canadian Legion
1180 Barton St E, Hamilton, On
Friday, September 17th, 7:00pm
Tickets $15.00
Tickets can be purchased by calling
Kevin @ 905-973-7250
Trish @ 905-578-7432
Email smbabineau@sympatico.ca
For those who are not able to attend but wish to help out can contribute by:
Regret tickets - (cannot attend but wish to donate) $10.00 “entered into draw”
Donated items for silent auction needed
Cash Donations may also be made
Help with the event
Many thanks – Committee members
Sunday, August 15, 2004 8:22 AM CDT
We got home last night - as always, again it feels so good to be home in our own beds.
We arrived at the hospital late last Wednesday night - snuck quietly into our beds (mine a cot) and in the morning Maddie got to meet her roommate, a girl her age who has cancer too. Her friend introduced Maddie to a new craft -making imitation stained glass art. Maddie’s days were spent on her art or sleeping, or eating (at le