Madison Matula was a highly energetic 8 year old little girl who was diagnosed with DIPG (Defuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma – tumor on the brainstem) in October 2009. Madi was always an inspiration to all around her. She had the God given talent of brightening the room whenever she walked in. People couldn’t help but smile when Madi was around. Madi truly had a heart as big as Texas. Prior to being diagnosed with DIPG, Madi was involved with soccer, gymnastics, ballet/tap/jazz and swimming. After her diagnosis, she put more of her focus on caring for her animals, all eleven of them (3 dogs, 4 cats, 2 chinchillas and 2 goldfish) and her school work. Madi loved to be surrounded by her family, friends and pets doing whatever sounds good at the moment. Madi went through more than most children her age, but she didn’t let it get her down. She continued to hold her head up high and be an inspiration to us all. She kept us all strong throughout the whole ordeal and often accused us of over reacting and being too dramatic. Madi always managed to find the positive in everything and for this, she will always be my hero.
Madison Matula
