Our Earth Angel, Maddy

This beautiful, brave warrior is my cousin Maddy. She is the light of her family and their earth angel. Maddy was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome before her 2nd birthday. If you haven’t heard of Rett Syndrome it is okay – most people haven’t. Only around 200 people have been diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in Australia. It is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls, and effects every aspect of a person’s life including speaking, eating, walking, and even breathing. It has been a long and tough journey for Maddy and her amazing family. The last 18 months have been particularly difficult, as Maddy’s health seriously declined. Maddy has spent months-long stints in the Royal Children’s, including surgeries and multiple transfers to ICU – always with her family by her side. Maddy has spent more time in hospital than out of it. A few days ago Maddy took another turn for the worst. Unfortunately, the paediatrician has advised that Maddy receive just the barest minimum of medical intervention. The family are broken and completely devastated. I have set this page up so that the family is able to focus completely on being together and supporting each other. Traci and Adrian have dedicated everything to caring for Maddy, and this has taken a financial toll, especially since Adrian’s recent major abdominal surgery. Please, let’s get behind this amazing family and do what we can to make this difficult time a little easier.