Community Hero 2007
Madilyn Louise Colley
Six-year-old “Maddie” could spend hours on end drawing, coloring, or poring over books. Considering how much Maddie loves to play basketball, it’s little wonder she’s such an avid fan of the Lady Ducks college basketball team and Coach Bev Smith. She has no shortage of friends at school and loves all animals, especially her two dogs, Ernest and Ginger. She also adores her baby brother, Owen.
Last year, Maddie was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Her treatment has been long and intensive, ranging from chemotherapy and radiation to spinal taps, biopsies, and a bone marrow transplant. Maddie looks forward to the day when her Hickman line is removed, finally freeing her from the discomfort of having her bandages changed. Yet even after all she’s been through, Maddie shows a strong interest in medicine.
What continually amazes Maddie’s family is her strength of spirit, optimistic outlook, and sense of adventure. Never once known to ask, “Why me?,” Maddie awaits each new day with cheerful anticipation.
“Maddie is a leader and a motivator. She inspires those around her to be the best they can be,” says her mother, Catherine. “She reminds us that tomorrow can bring new challenges, and that those challenges can be overcome with a positive attitude and determination.”
