By Max Bowen
max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
For the past few weeks, #maddystrong has been seen often on social media, as people send their love, support, and donations to help Madison Mayo.
The North Attleborough teen has been undergoing surgery and follow-up treatments to remove a cancerous tumor from her right temporal lobe. Due to the very rare and aggressive nature of this type of cancer, Madison will need to be closely monitored for the rest of her life.
A fundraiser on GoFundMe was launched on Feb. 29 and within 12 hours brought in more than $5,000. As of press time, that amount has risen to $17,785. Madison’s mother Maura said several of the donations are from friends and family, but many more are from people she has never met.
“People decided to do something to help,” said Maura.
Madison is a senior at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School with her twin sister Mackenzie. She has volunteered at many local events involving children and local veterans agencies. She was working co-op at a local daycare agency in Early Childhood Education Program through school.
It’s through Tri-County that the family became friends with Doreen Donahue, who helped launch the fundraiser along with Teresa Fernald, Stephanie Barber, Jennifer Blakley, Nancy Holden, Joyce Lydon, John Maclennan, Kate Warden, and Jen Miller. Donahue said the outreach, text messages, and calls from people have been amazing.
“It’s been overwhelming, but in a good way,” said Donahue. “I think it says a lot about Maddy and the family in general and says a lot about the people reaching out with assistance.”
In addition to the GoFundMe, an benefit has been set for April 17, 6-11 p.m. at the North Attleborough Elks, with food, entertainment, a 50/50 raffle, raffles, and a silent auction. Donahue said the the Elks and their members have been instrumental in organizing the event.
Maura said the family learned of the tumor in February. She has been to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and Maura said they’ve been blessed to work with the team there. In addition to the staff at Brigham and Women’s, doctors from several hospitals have been sharing information on Madison’s case. Following the surgery, she will undergo chemotherapy and regular MRIs to ensure the tumor is removed.
“They want to learn and help,” said Maura of the medical staff. “We are very positive that she is going to get the best care and she is going to beat it.”
Maura said that Madison is in good spirits and is focused on going to college after graduating from Tri-County.
“She’s one tough nut, said Maura. “She’s going to beat this.”
For more information, the GoFundMe page can be found at https://bit.ly/2IlbyKR.
