Most of us take the air we breathe for granted. Inhaling and exhaling is second nature, and the oxygen we need to power our everyday activity is always there. We never have to think about it.
Madeline doesn't have that luxury.
Simple tasks like getting out of bed in the morning, walking around the house, or helping out with her grandchildren are difficult to accomplish due to lack of oxygen. And over the past few months it's gotten worse, prompting Madeline's doctors to recommend a double lung transplant as the only way to extend her life.
In July 2016, Madeline was accepted to the Lung Transplant Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She will hopefully be selected for a transplant soon, and once the surgery takes place, her medical expenses will run into the seven figures. While insurance will cover a large portion of the cost, Madeline and her family will be responsible for the remainder.
All donations made to the Mad For Life Fund, which has been established at Washington Trust Bank, will be used to help pay for Madeline's medical expenses. If any funds remain after Madeline's medical expenses are paid, they will be donated to the Scleroderma Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to research and education for Madeline's underlying disease.