Medical Expenses & Support for Randy Maddix and Family

You never think it is going to happen to you. After all, it's one in a million chance. So, when Randy Maddix started experiencing unusual symptoms - a memory snag, a misstep, a jerky movement- he wasn't too phased. Heck, maybe it was dehydration or stress or lack of sleep. Whatever it was, there was surely an easy explanation and his friends convinced him to get it checked out. Great, he'll get answers. The tests came back negative.

The walking missteps turned into a slower walk, which turned into a shuffle. His mind began playing tricks on him and those close to him noticed slight personality changes. And this transformation didn't happen over the course of years or months. This happened within a few weeks. Something was definitely amiss. It took some specialized testing and a special spinal tap to break the case.

With a one in a million chance, Randy Maddix, a Wenham native and a 1984 graduate of Hamilton-Wenham Regional, was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare neurodegenerative brain disorder marked by rapidly progressive dementia and motor impairment. There are no known treatments or cure. It is an insidious and cruel disease.

Because Randy has had such a tremendous and positive impact on so many, we - his high school class friends - came together to try to help. We launched this fundraiser to help Randy and his wonderful wife, Doreen, and their three children, Amanda, Noah and Vanessa. The donations will be used for two things:

1. Defray the exorbitant uninsured medical expenses and hospice costs.

2. Ease the financial strain for Randy's wife and kids going forward.

Randy is self-employed and has built a great company, REM Sleep Solutions, alongside his wife. He is no longer able to work and his daughter, Amanda, has quickly and ably stepped into the unexpected role of running the company. The family is trying to run the business all while processing a new reality and caring for Randy.

We would be remiss not to note that through all this, Randy has retained his sense of humor, kindness, sarcasm and, of course, unmatched love for Doreen and his kids. If you know Randy personally, you are lucky. He is an amazing husband, father, son, and brother who is instantly loved by all who meet him. And he was a great classmate and friend to us. Whether you played with him on the baseball, hockey or golf teams (he's an avid fan of all sports), or just passed him in the hallway, he had a smile for you and would always be there to help, however he could. He continued to be there for us over the years and now he needs us. He's a one in a million type of friend who got a one in a million disease.

The Hamilton, Wenham and Essex communities have always shined in difficult times and we are hoping and praying that many people coming together will make a difference for the Maddix family. Please consider donating so Randy can stay at home as he transitions and the family has some support going forward. No amount is too small and will be greatly appreciated. Whether you can donate or not, you can still help by sharing this fundraiser among your friends and family. Please help us surpass our goal. THANK YOU!

For more information on Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): https://cjdfoundation.org/types-of-prion-disease/