Madison Michele Bates

On March 27, 2003, at age one year, Maddy was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). This is a rare leukemia for children as it's usually found in older adults. When Maddy was diagnosed, the leukemia had infiltrated her liver, spleen and pancreas. After the first round of chemotherapy, all the organs returned to normal. 

Since being diagnosed, Maddy has amazed us with her tenacious determination - she is a strong-willed child who is extremely happy despite the treatment she goes through. Maddy was in remission from September 2003 until December 2003 when she relapsed. She underwent a bone marrow transplant on February 24, 2004 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. After 5 1/2 months in North Carolina, Maddy went home and has been treated through the outpatient clinic through Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California. 

On December 7, 2004 Maddy relapsed once again and we were all devastated. Since she still had 80% donor cells, we are currently treating her with Mylotarg and have returned to Duke for DLI (Donor Lymphocyte Infusion) treatment

The little Queen that we have all come to love so dearly took her last earthly breath this morning at 7:45 a.m. Eastern time. She was held by her mom and dad. Please keep Joe, Richelle, Ethan and their entire family in your prayers.

(Posted August 31, 2005)