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• Child’s condition: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

“I can’t say enough about the staff at SickKids. Doctors, nurses, child life – they all took the time to comfort us and assure us that everything would be fine.” – Peggy-Jo Scott

In the summer of 2007, Madison, 10, was starring as one of the Scouts in “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Avon theatre in Stratford. By the time the fall came, she started to complain of exhaustion and back pain. Extremely worried, her parents took her to a hospital. A blood test revealed alarming results and Madison was referred to The Hospital for Sick Children. Here, they discovered she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

ALL is the most common childhood cancer, characterized by the production of a large number of white blood cells. These cells multiply quickly and take over normal blood cells, which can lead to bone marrow failure. If left undiagnosed or not caught in time, ALL is fatal. Fortunately, Madison was diagnosed and began her treatment protocol right away.

After spending two weeks in the hospital, Madison went home to continue her treatment as an outpatient. She visits SickKids on a regular basis while she continues her intense chemotherapy protocol. In April, Madison will begin her two-and-a-half-year maintenance period, still receiving chemotherapy and taking oral medication. Her family is relieved that she is in the capable hands of extremely knowledgeable, experienced and caring medical professionals.

Madison’s immune system is left weak from her treatment so she is unable to attend school regularly. Her condition has not affected her bubbly and cheerful personality, or more importantly, her determination.

She is currently taking voice lessons and learning to play the piano to prepare for her stage career. She envisions walking across a stage to receive a Tony award one day. For now, she is setting her sights locally and is hoping to audition for the Toronto production of the Sound of Music this summer.

Once in the maintenance period of her treatment, Madison can return to school full time and the things she loves. Ultimately, her goal is to return to the Stratford stage, where her company has been so supportive to her during this difficult time.