Some of you might remember back in October I did a week of Giveaways as a way to celebrate the launch of my new website. One of the giveaways involved a little "blog visitor participation". I asked for everyone for a little help on coming up with a new Art Print for my store! Well... I finally have that print available in my shop but think it's paramount for you to know the story behind the print! And instead of me trying to tell it, I've asked the winner, Shannon Knebusch, to fill us in on her entry which was: "Don't stop Believing! Makes me always think of my sweet daughter that passed away from cancer almost two years ago! Love!!!!". The story below is from MTK Foundation which is the "Madison T. Knebusch Foundation". This foundation is committed to the memory of Madison Knebusch, the aid of those that display the faith, character, and disposition of Madison, support for families trying to save their child's life, and a cure for pediatric cancer.
Madison Knebusch
"Madison Knebusch was an active 8th grader - running track and playing competitive basketball. She began to have difficulty breathing. After numerous visits to the ER and to various physicians, a diagnosis had still not been reached. She was losing weight and her symptoms seemed to get worse instead of better. Madison's pediatrician, after discussion with Madison's parents, Shannon and Levi, decided to admit her to the hospital for some tests. On May 1, 2010, Madison received some difficult news. CAT scan results showed a large mass in the center of her throat. She was literally breathing through an airway the size of a soffe straw! After emergency surgery to open her airway and a tracheotomy, Madison was diagnosed with a cancer so rare that there has never been an example of it recorded in medical history. She had a tumor in her throat and five suspicious spots on her lungs.
Madison started chemotherapy on June 1, 2010. She was scheduled for seven rounds of chemo and 25 doses of radiation to shrink the tumor so that it could be removed. Started with the second round of chemo, Madison required two units of blood to counter the drop in her hemoglobin and platelet counts. Madison was hospitalized again with an infection and received another four units of blood during her two-week stay. Upon completion of her radiation and three more rounds of chemo, Madison had her first major surgery. It took 12-1/2 hours to remove the tumor. She received another two units of blood. During her eleven day stay in the hospital that followed, she received another four units. It was becoming very obvious that transfusions were going to be a major part of her treatment. She continued her chemo and recovered from her surgery but her battle with cancer was not over. The cancer bame back in her lungs - more major surgeries and more transfusions. Following these surgeries, everyone believed that Madison would be celebrating her 16th birthday and being cancer free! The week before her birthday, she was back in the hospital with more bad news. But, she told the doctors she was coming home to celebrate her birthday! So, on November 5, we had a birthday bash to celebrate and Madison did what she always did best - she put a smile on her face and she celebrated family, friends and the blessings that she did have! Shortly thereafter, she began chemo again to battle the rapidly growing tumors in her lungs. She took a break from it to celebrate Christmas and then she went on vacation with her mom, her best friend and her best friends mom - they always wanted to see New York! Again, she struggled throught the pain and sickness to enjoy the trip. Once home, the news did not improve. It was clear that there was nothing more that could be done. The cancer had metastasized to her brain. At her wishes, her family wanted to take her home to share her final days.
On January 12, 2012, Madison Knebusch left her cancer behind and went to be with her maker. At 16 years old, she touched all of us with ther example of life, love for others, grace under adversity and her faith in God. For those of us who had the privilege of knowing her, we are better because she was in our life!
In one final selfless act before she passed, Madison chose to donate her body to Texas Tech Health Science Center for research. It was her hope that it would help the medical community find a cure for this terrible disease so that others would not have to suffer. Madison remained full of hope, love for others, and bravery for her fight! She faced this challenge with her head held high and never backed down from the fight. Thank you so much for giving unselfishly so that she could stay strong amidst her battle!" ~ Shannon and Levi Knebusch
Photo Credit: Twisted Sisters Photography
I'm sure each of you are as moved by her story as we are! And as a way to give back, proceeds from each of "Don't Stop Believing" Art Print sold will be donated back to the MTK Foundation. Join us in this fight and help to support those who are simply interested in finding a cure for their child at mtkfoundation.org.
"Don't Stop Believing" Art Print
You are BEAUTIFUL, Believe It!
~ Valerie