Meet Maddie

Madison Claire Marmo was born on May 31, 2001, and passed away on December 31, 2023.

Our beautiful second child, Maddie, brought light into our lives from the very beginning. With her big brown eyes and perfectly rosy cheeks, she was a petite beauty whose presence illuminated every room. From the moment she arrived, we knew she was extraordinary.

When Maddie was just four months old, our lives took an unexpected turn as we navigated a series of doctor appointments and diagnoses. After extensive evaluation, she was diagnosed with Dup15q syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, as well as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a challenging and hard-to-treat seizure disorder.

In the wake of her diagnosis, our family's mission became clear: to provide Maddie with the best life possible. We dedicated ourselves to finding top doctors, securing suitable educational environments, and acquiring essential medical equipment. We made sure Maddie had all the available resources and supports she needed to live a full and meaningful life. Above all, we surrounded her with unwavering support, boundless love, and affection.

Maddie faced immense challenges in her life, and we witnessed firsthand the financial and emotional stresses that come with raising a child with special needs. Yet, her beautiful spirit continues to inspire us. It motivates us to make life easier and less stressful for others facing similar challenges.

Every day we thank God we had the opportunity to care for and love this extraordinary child. In her honor, we are committed to supporting others so they, too, can "Live Like Maddie."