Madison’s story, as told by her dad, Chris:

On September 9, 2010, my daughter, 20-month old Madison Star Schafer went to the ER at Baptist Hospital in Miami for a suspected ear infection, but the Doctor saw other symptoms and after an MRI, it was determined that Madison had a very rare and aggressive cancerous brain tumor called AT/RT (Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor). Only 30 children under the age of 3 in the United States a year get this type of cancer.

After an 8 hour brain surgery they were able to remove 90% of the tumor. The other 10% was calcified to the brain stem and couldn't be removed without her heart stopping. She was given a 10% chance of survival.

She is fighter and such a strong little girl but she has a very tough, and long road to recovery ahead. After 3 months of chemo, they did another MRI and the 10% tumor they couldn’t get out during surgery had disappeared... it was GONE!!!

For 2 months the family had to move from their home in Miami to Jacksonville where Maddie received 28 sessions of Proton beam radiation therapy at the Proton Center. The Proton radiation treatment is a cutting-edge treatment that with amazing precision sends a beam to the area where the tumors once existed.

The amazing story is how MANY people in our community have been touched and inspired by the brave strength of Madison.

“Life as I once knew it is gone forever and cancer is now consuming my every thought from the minute I wake up until I fall asleep. The scary truth is that 46 families are having their world turned upside down today and tomorrow and the next day with the diagnosis of cancer........and 7 of those 46 children will loose their battle with this nasty disease daily. It is just not fair that pediatric cancer is the least funded and only receives 3% of the annual research funds. This is why companies such as CureSearch are so important for these children. They spend 95 cents of every dollar raised on pediatric cancer research and wont stop till they have a 100% cure rate!!

We all have a chance to help these innocent children, so one day NO more children will have to suffer.

Madison has lost her vision, the ability to walk and to speak, just typing this brings me to tears. WE NEED TO BE THEIR VOICE and speak up because most of these kids can’t!!! Please help me spread the word and help put an end to this epidemic.

Maddie still has a long road ahead and is going to therapy three times a week for physical, occupational and speech. She will continue chemo through October, every third week. She continues to smile and play with her big brother Colin.

Madison is my daily inspiration, my hope, my love and my life!!

She has taught me to not sweat the small stuff, to make every second count and to always remember to smile!!

We need to find a CURE and if everyone comes together and takes a stand, maybe one day NO more parents will have to hear the words, "YOUR CHILD HAS CANCER" and NO more kids will have to suffer!!

STOP CHILDHOOD CANCER NOW!!!!!!!!!

Madison Star’s website: www.madisonsstory.com