Madison's Journey
Madison Jane Smith was a healthy 14-year-old girl preparing to enter 9th grade at a new school. She loved family time, board games and was a self-proclaimed sneaker-head. She excelled in school with a 4.03 GPA, played competitive golf, and enjoyed being on the swim team. In August 2021, Madison was vacationing with her family in Maui when she became ill. Following a medical air evacuation and emergency surgery, Madison's life and the lives of all those who loved her, were forever changed. Devastatingly, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer.
Golfing Through Treatment
For two years, Madison endured over 30 rounds of chemotherapy (each round lasting 3 days), multiple surgeries, and at times, daily radiation. She never complained or asked, "why me?" Madison continued to compete in golf throughout her treatment and even secured 2nd place in the 2023 WCAC Championship, a mere five-months before passing away. The Washington Post shared Madison’s story in the news several times, inspiring people in similar circumstances and sharing the story of her strength.
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After 12 rounds of chemo, this freshman began a promising golf career (The Washington Post, May 6, 2022)
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Good Counsel remembers Madison Smith, 16, who golfed through cancer battle (The Washington Post, November 7, 2023)
Honoring Her Legacy
To honor Madison, Jimmy and Molly Smith have have created the Pediatric Colorectal Cancer and Rare Tumor Research Fund in Memory of Madison Jane Smith with funds supporting Children’s National Hospital. Unfortunately, when Madison was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer, only one FDA approved chemotherapy option was available for children. When the cancer metastasized, her oncologists had to petition to the FDA to seek other treatments and trials.
The Smiths and all those in the field agree that children and their families deserve more.
