Maddie's Story: February 20, 2000, A little girl lay by a tree, wondering if she would ever have a family to love and protect her; born to a mother who left her new born baby girl by a tree in the mountains of Akola, India.
This is where the incredible journey of Madison Aaditi Landwehr began.
Madison was abandoned in the mountains of India at birth. She was viciously attacked by a wild dog. When the she was found, many thought she would not make it through the night. Rushed immediately to a nearby hospital, she was worked on for hours. She went through extensive surgeries to try and save her leg. The result of the attack was that her right leg and hip were destroyed.
Against all odds this little girl survived with a purpose that was yet to be defined.
Seemingly appropriate she was given the name Aaditi, 'Mother of Angels', by a care giver in the hospital. Aaditi went on to spend the first four months of her life in the hospital, with no one to hold her, no one to love her, and no one who cared about her.
She was then moved to Bharativa Samej Seva Kendra, BSSK, an orphanage in Pune, India. This is where she would stay until courses collided and she would finally have a home with a family in Iowa.
Madison was adopted in 2002 and finally had a family to call her own.
All though she is only seven years old she has already faced and overcome many obstacles.
She has already endured a hip surgery where a hip was created and strategically placed to accommodate her small body.
She has also endured a leg lengthening surgery to make her legs even so she can be just like any other normal 7 year old child.
Both of these surgeries were made possible, and all thanks to the Shriner Hospital in Minnesota.
Not long after her leg lengthening surgery Madison was burdened with a bad infection.
Through the courses of treating the infection Madison was faced with yet another barrier.
Just when she thought she would be able to run, play and be like any other normal kid she was diagnosed with a rare genetic blood disorder,
Fanconi Anemia.
Madison’s only hope for survival now is a bone marrow transplant.
Doctors say Madison’s best hope for a successful transplant would be a donor of an Indian decent.
If you would be willing to help give her a chance at a normal life please donate, or pass the website along to help us find a donor. With your help Madison can live a happy healthy life.
There are no regrets or wishes of changing one moment of Madison’s life. She will continue to go through challenges and face everyday obstacles, Madison’s parents only wish is that she grows up a happy, healthy, and overly loved child.
Madison’s road ahead is not going to be an easy one. With the love and support of her family and friends, they feel she will be able to overcome any obstacle that stands in her.
Maddie needs your help! Maddie was born with a rare disorder called Fanconi Anemia that causes bone marrow failure. She needs to have a bone marrow transplant in order to restore her natual ability to produce healthy blood cells. She has a strong spirit and has already beat the odds many times in her life. You can be tested for free to see if you are a potential match to donate bone marrow to help Maddie win this battle.
Visit: http://www.helpmaddie.com for further information on her website.
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Fraternally,
Worthy Brother Glen Schaefer, PM
Last Edited on 18-Feb-2008 7:44 AM