Since 2017, Maddison has spent countless days in hospital, undergone several surgeries, and moved between hospitals to treat her diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma, a tumour of muscle. She is now extremely excited to be cancer free and is looking forward to returning to school full time.
This success could not have been possible without the team from the Queensland Children’s Hospital and most specifically, Maddison’s hospital hero, paediatric surgical registrar Dr Narelle Lintern – our latest Super Hero Awards winner!
Throughout Maddison’s days, weeks, months, and years in hospital, she formed a special bond with Dr Narelle over Harry Potter, toys and more. These bonding times carried Maddison and her family through some of the toughest times in hospital.
Maddison’s mum Vanessa explained, “she treated Maddison as an adult to make sure she understood what was happening to her own body. She is an amazing doctor and the support she provides families has such an impact.”
“With kids, people do forget that they know what is going on. It is so important to explain everything to them and make sure they can understand,” Dr Narelle said.
“She told me to never give up on my ballet, never ever give up. It made me feel strong and I could do anything, follow my dreams.” Maddison shared.
Narelle is one of many Super Heroes helping patients achieve their dreams and supporting them during some of the toughest times of their lives. If you have a Super Hero at the hospital, help us to give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for Juiced TV’s Super Hero Awards.
“I know I can rely on her no matter what happens.” Maddison explained.
QSuper’s partnership and support allows Juiced TV to increase the positive impact the program has for kids and their families at the hospital, and also throughout regional hospitals across Queensland with the ‘Juiced Box’ mobile application.