I wish to have a small barn
Maddie
13
leukemia
Meet Maddie
Maddie’s spirit shines even in the face of cancer. The 13-year-old enjoys spending time with her sisters, video editing, cooking, and raising animals. Her love for horses and deep connection to nature are Maddie’s anchors, especially after she and her family relocated from Panama back to their home state of Massachusetts for her medical treatment.
Her mother, Nicole, shared, “Maddie was diagnosed with leukemia. At diagnosis, 95% of the white blood cells in her bone marrow were leukemia cells. Her resilience and strength continue to impress us. It has been an incredibly trying journey with many bumps in the road but overall, she is doing okay.”
Maddie was missing the life she knew, and especially the animals her family kept at their home in Panama.
“Maddie wished for something that wouldn’t have an ending, a gift that keeps on giving. She wanted a space to retreat to, a place to call her own that could house her favorite animal in the world, horses.”
Maddie’s wish for a barn made it possible for her to experience the serenity of having miniature horses in her own backyard.
“Her barn has given her a quiet space to sit and love on her horses, Tulsa and Star. Horses are so healing. Their energy gives Maddie that extra push and strength to keep up the fight and continue treatment that is incredibly hard on her both physically and mentally.”
Maddie’s wish was fulfilled thanks to many supporters and partners. Together, they provided her with more than just a structure. They created the opportunity for her to once again be a loving and playful caregiver, as she was in Panama, to animals who bring her peace and joy. In her barn, Maddie can recenter and recharge, helping her face her treatments with renewed hope and strength.
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