Everyone on Madeline’s medical team continues to comment on how impressed they are with her progress, positive attitude and determination. Earlier this week, we received confirmation that Mad was, in fact, the oldest scleroderma patient that has ever been transplanted at UPMC. Knowing how concerned transplant centers are with their ratings (which are based on patient survival rates over time), this speaks volumes as to the transplant team’s confidence in Madeline as a strong recipient candidate as well as her enthusiasm and strength. On Monday, it was determined that Madeline’s trach wound was completely healed. She was happy to be rid of the gauze and tape that had been pulling at her throat. Madeline also “graduated” from speech therapy and was permitted to add swabs of apple juice to her repertoire of dumdum lollipops and swabs of ice water. In Jim’s father’s later years, each time he was hospitalized he was always eager to know “the plan.” Every Tuesday morning, the inpatient rehab team meets to plan for the discharge of all of their patients. We were all eagerly awaiting “the plan” and had been cautiously optimistic that Madeline would be released on Friday. However, due to the fact that she will be coming home with a PEG tube, the team decided to wait to discharge her until Monday so that visiting nurses will be better able to coordinate her care. In the meantime, Madeline has been keeping very busy with her therapy sessions. Without supplemental oxygen, she has been moving farther and faster than she has in years even with oxygen. Her therapists have taken advantage of the unusual temperatures which have been in the mid- to high- sixties this week. Madeline had a chance to go outside again Tuesday during physical therapy. She walked from the main entrance of the building (near the overhang in the bottom left corner of the picture) to the flagpole area and then across the driveway and slightly uphill to the other sitting area on the far side. ![]() After all of that exercise, Madeline earned her “green card”. This indicates that she is now able to freely move around her room unsupervised. The videos below document her first unassisted trip to the restroom on Tuesday afternoon. Each time her medical team observes her, they note that she receives “bonus points” for her attention to the small details as she moves about her room. Madeline’s transplant team continues to mention how “beautiful” and “young” her lungs are. At this time, we are unable to know anything about her donor, but are so grateful to the donor and the donor's family for the incredible gift Madeline has been given. If you haven't already, please consider becoming a donor and giving the gift of life.
22 Comments
Jeanne LaBelle
2/22/2017 10:53:21 pm
Madeline, you look terrific and obviously making great progress! I'm delighted for you.
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Jane Iannetta
2/22/2017 11:01:19 pm
Wonderful, Wonderful update! So happy for you Madeline and the progress you have made. Your strength and determination are inspiring! Sending positive energy and prayers unending for your continued steady recovery! Prayers for the donors family! God Bless you Madeline!
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Ellen and Matt
2/22/2017 11:10:17 pm
Madeline, you look fantastic, and probably feel fantastic because of all your accomplishments.! So happy to see you looking so happy. We are all just as happy to see you making such unbelievable progress. Thanks, Colleen for all the reports and pictures. Love to all the Reilly's '😍😍😍😍
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Linda Kavanagh Pullano
2/22/2017 11:38:04 pm
Madeline I, as well as all of your family,are so happy for your progress and recovery. You are an inspiration to so many. You are a strong determined woman whose story I'm sure will help so many. God bless you and your continued good health, joy and long life. So thrilled for you. 😇😇😇
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Mary Kilmartin
2/23/2017 02:55:50 am
Madeline, You've made incredible progress! May you continue to feel better each day! Mary
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Debbie Bent
2/23/2017 06:26:05 am
One words.....AMAZING!!!!!!
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Deb Rowley
2/23/2017 06:30:12 am
You look just like your old self in these videos!!!! You will have to go on speaking tours when you get home because you are becoming quite a celebrity. Or maybe a book!!!!! We continue to pray for you and can't wait for you to get home.
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Pat and Joan
2/23/2017 08:29:39 am
Wow! You are incredible! Our hearts are singing "When Irish eyes are smiling"! Your smile says it all!
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Virginia May King Colabella
2/23/2017 08:31:17 am
Madeline, You are so inspiring! We are very happy that you continue to recover and enjoy time spent with your family and friends. Your spirit is truly that of a "Fighter"! As you continue on your journey, know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many!
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2/23/2017 08:35:18 am
Wow, awesome job getting your green card. The video of you walking and speaking brought a tear to my eye, We are all amazed at your progress, but not surprised you are a truly amazing lady!!
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Melissa McQueeney
2/23/2017 08:45:49 am
Madeline, so happy that you are progressing so quickly and heading in the right direction....HOME!!!! What a wonderful support system you have and I'm sure the thoughts and prayers of all have guided you to this place with nice pink lungs!! Melissa McQ.
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Denny and Jane
2/23/2017 09:25:05 am
Madeline you look beautiful and your happy smile😀 Fantastic progress! Hello to Jim and Colleen. Thanks for the videos You are amazing!!!
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Michelle McQ
2/23/2017 12:02:05 pm
Seeing these videos of you walking and talking have made my week! And made me cry happy tears! While you might not want to walk the 10 mile blessing with me and Colleen this year, this update makes me think we might get to see you at the finish line and beer tent this summer! I'm so so proud of you. You're a rockstar! xo
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Bob Donnelly
2/23/2017 12:29:07 pm
Wow, you look great! Our prayers are with you.
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Kelly Collier
2/23/2017 05:35:50 pm
Truly amazing! Thoughts and continued prayers
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Alison Bussolini
2/23/2017 05:55:59 pm
MADELINE you look beautiful!! We are so glad you are doing so well. We can't wait to see you. Love you
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Tom and Tender
2/23/2017 08:10:09 pm
We love hearing of your incredible journey to wellness. Prayers are there every day for you. Just got the Bonnet packet in the mail!!
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Liz Wegner
2/23/2017 08:47:41 pm
Wow!! I love the videos & your smile says it all!! So excited and happy for you. Continued prayers and thoughts are with you. Xoxo
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The Matt Colliers
2/23/2017 09:43:17 pm
This is wonderful, Aunt Mad! Bet it's been wonderful to get outside! You're almost there!! Yippee!
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Anne Marie
2/24/2017 08:24:56 am
God bless you and may He continue to heal you!
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The Cianci's (Clarkin)
2/26/2017 05:37:43 pm
Madeline and Jim,
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Keeping CurrentAs often as possible, we'll try to update this page to let you know how Madeline is doing and where she is in her fight for new lungs. Visit often! Archives
August 2018
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