September 22, 1999 - May 18, 2008
West Liberty, Kentucky
When Madison Bailee Frederick was born nine years ago in Lexington, Ky., she was a beautiful baby, and her Grandpa proclaimed her the first pretty baby he had ever seen. She was our "puddin' girl" and we were proud to be her parents.
Madison hit all of her milestones on time, from holding her head up to crawling. It wasn’t until she was 15 months old and still not walking that her doctors sent her to First Steps, a therapy program for children younger than 3. Madison finally began to walk just before turning 2, but she lost that ability at age 5.
As Madison’s condition worsened, her occupational therapist encouraged us to take her to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. It was there in 2004 she was diagnosed with NBIA. Over the next four years we went to countless therapy sessions, chiropractic sessions and massage therapy — anything that we thought might help our baby girl. We loved her without limits and took her on as many trips and adventures as we could.
Madison loved nothing more than amusement parks rides, so we took her every year. She also loved to go to school and see her many friends. Along the way, she made a best friend, Sheila Hampton, who loved Madison like family. She would stay for sleepovers, play with her at school and sometimes just sit and simply hold her hand.
Her sister Christin also was a big help. She played with Madison all of the time, even up until the end. On March 1, the Make- A -Wish Foundation granted Madison's wish of going to Disney World. We all had a wonderful time, and that proved to be Madison's last good week. Madison left this world on May 18, lying on her Mom's chest.
Through all the stitches, spinal taps, MRI's, CT scans, therapy, DBS surgery and an unknown infection in 2007, Madison stayed strong and actually helped to comfort all of us. She would say, "I'm okay Mommy." Chris and I always said she was the strongest child we knew. She had an infectious smile and was always smiling. Now we have a giant hole in our lives since Madison passed away. On her headstone, we will have:
Her Parents' "Puddin"
Her Grandparents' "Love"
Everyone's "Turkey"
"Turkey" was the nickname given to her by her friends in the first grade. Madison didn't get to finish the third grade at Morgan Central Elementary School, but we know that her wonderful aide Ms. Trish took great care of her for those three years.
We are so grateful to Madison's many doctors, therapists, extended family and dear friends who truly eased her journey.
Those we hold in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever. We love and miss her greatly. Until we meet again…
- Chris, Michelle & Christin Frederick and her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends
