14 Days of Maddy: Day 11 Compassion

You are Compassionate.

The science of compassion is what Maddy taught us. The incredible doctors who allowed space for compassion in their decisions about Maddy’s complicated treatment and compassion on a human level of caring about Maddy and our well-being. Our team was an amazing mixture of genius and love. They asked questions like, “based on Maddy’s response to other treatments, would we pick this possible next step for her?” What will her life look like after she gets better? How can we pick kinder and less toxic treatments that work?”

We know there is no “cure” for cancer. Yet, our team brought compassion in every moment. Every time Maddy was admitted for in-patient care, our clinic nurses and our amazing doctor came to visit. Even if it was after hours. They made an effort and showed how much Maddy getting better meant to them. They held our hand with the good results, and cried with us when we were left with no other options. Our doctor made sure she was a part of every single decision about Maddy, and she shared all options with us with love and compassion. 

On Maddy’s last day, our nurse practitioner showed up at 9am, on a Saturday, her day off, and made sure she was the last one left at the hospital. When she left it was well after 11pm. That is compassion in action.  

At Madelyn James, we believe every family should have access to this type of compassionate care. 

Maddy allowed us to recognize that compassion takes many forms and that by being open and vulnerable, we can share our compassion with others as they navigate hard times. 

Jackie, Dan & Hannah 🎀

Madelyn James Pediatric Foundation Founders