14 Days of Maddy: Day 13 Feisty

You are Feisty.

While never giving up, Maddy always knew what she wanted and was willing to fight for it every day. She was courageous. She knew she wanted: Rupert (her pacifier) always by her side; a bottle break with Hannah (her twin sister); a bow in her hair; what outfit to wear for bed; the snail to ride on at clinic; a ride on the swings at her favorite park. Her first word was, “bubble.” From that moment on, Maddy wanted to play with bubbles all the time. Now, when Hannah see’s bubbles, she can’t get enough of them.

She told us what she wanted and needed through finger points, waves, side eyes and big laughs. 

Maddy was feisty. Our team would always laugh because Maddy was on her own schedule and timeline. “Typical” was not a word that Maddy ever fit into. She would have opposite reactions to certain treatments and defy the odds at many points in her life. Everyone who encountered Maddy was always in awe at her ability to never give up. 

Maddy taught us to be gritty. To trample through the mess with a smile. And, to always find the humor in the hardest moments. That, is feisty. 

Jackie, Dan & Hannah 🎀

Madelyn James Pediatric Foundation Founders