Audrey is a curious eleven-year-old who wants to learn more about everything. She is searching for kids in the Rochester area who are doing big things.
Today she interviews six-year-old Madison Barthelmes who is fighting leukemia at Univeristy of Rochester Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital. Maddie loves french fries, ice cream, and movie nights. She lives with her parents, grandparents, and her younger brother, Jackson. Madison has an amazing perspective on life. Even though she is battling cancer, she is quick to point out that other people have bigger problems. You can find her on instagram, singing and dancing to make it through the toughest days.
What is leukemia? Is it contagious?
It’s a disease of the blood. No one knows how kids get it, but it’s not contagious.
When did you find out?
February 20. I have been in the hospital for more than five months now.
That’s a long time! Do you get to go home sometimes?
Yes. Sometimes I get to go home for an afternoon or even a few days.
Do you have any pets?
I have a dog named Topsy and a cat named Kitty.
What medicine do you need to fight Leukemia?
Chemo. Sometimes it makes me really tired. [Chemotherapy is a medicine that stops cancer cells from growing. Chemo can make people feel very sick, but as the cancer goes away, the patient starts to feel better.]
Do you have to do schoolwork in the hospital?
Yes, I have a tutor and I can do all my kindergarten work. I do reading, math and science experiments.
Why did you lose your hair?
Because of the medicine. [Chemo kills the cells that make cancer grow. But it also kills the cells that make your hair grow.]
What has been the hardest part of fighting Leukemia?
Getting poked.
Do you have a favorite thing to do in the hospital?
I like to dance and visit the gift shop. I can play games or do crafts in the playroom and the play deck.
Do you have a favorite nurse?
Yes, Sam.
Does it get boring in the hospital? What do you like to do?
Yes. When I get bored, I watch movies. I like to play the piano and the ukulele.
What are your favorite movies?
Twilight and Harry Potter.
Do you know when you will be able to leave the hospital?
I should be able to leave by the end of November. Then I switch to clinic three times a week for six months to a year.
What do you want to do when you are all done with your treatments?
I want to go to Great Wolf Lodge and go swimming!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I used to want to be an artist and a hairdresser. Now I want to be a nurse.
To help kids like Madison, visit redcrossblood.org to find out how to become a blood donor. Giving is safe and it helps save lives. Donors (over age sisteen) are needed now more than ever!