A Final Thank You

The Mad for Life Trust was established in the summer of 2016 to help Madeline Reilly with medical-related expenses for her then-anticipated double lung transplant, with any remaining funds donated to the Scleroderma Foundation. During her lung transplant evaluation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in June 2016, Madeline and her husband Jim were advised to begin fundraising. While a portion of the transplant itself and subsequent services would be covered by insurance, Madeline would require anti-rejection meds for the rest of her life. A total cost could not be predicted, but estimates went into the million dollar range. 

Madeline and her family were overwhelmed by the support they received from family and friends. Through your generosity, the Mad for Life Fund raised more than $90,000. This spring, we we made an initial donation to the Scleroderma Foundation and this week, following the second anniversary of Madeline’s death, the remainder of the Mad for Life Fund was sent to the Scleroderma Foundation. In total, we were able to donate $46,000 towards Scleroderma research in Madeline’s memory. 

The Trust was aptly named Mad for Life. Madeline had such a love for life and everyone she met. The Reilly Family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who touched Madeline’s life, sent positive thoughts and prayers, and donated towards her recovery. We would especially like to thank the Trustees of Mad for Life — Mad’s “Brother Like No Other”, Walter Boyle; her brother-in-law, Mike Clarkin; and her long-time friend, Mary McGoldrick. 
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Words can never truly express how grateful we are for your all of your love and support,

The Reilly Family
Jim, Colleen, Mike, Gerard, Meg, Jack, Danny, Matty, and Caroline