KENTWOOD, Mich. -- A young girl in West Michigan has spent most of her time on Earth fighting for her life.
Madison Pagel, 5, was diagnosed with brain cancer and cancer in her spinal fluid at just four months old. That condition is called Choroid Plexus. She's one of five to be treated for it at Helen Devos Children's Hospital and the youngest ever.
Back in 2011, Maddie underwent multiple surgeries and tests, completing a total of 11 rounds of chemotherapy, all before her first birthday. Finally at 13 months, the Pagel family caught a break when doctors announced that Maddie was in remission.
But, just months later, doctors found two new tumors on Maddie's brain. It was yet another whirlwind for the Pagel family... with more surgeries and tests.
Maddie started a clinical trial in September 2013 and she's still on it today. However, doctors say that her body is getting tired and soon that treatment in the clinical trial will no longer be an option. This news is leaving the Pagel family wondering what will happen next.
In the meantime, if you'd like to support this family you can. They're holding a Spaghetti Dinner benefit on February 20th at the Teamsters 406 Union Hall. That's at 3315 Eastern Ave SE in Grand Rapids. It's from 5:30PM until 9:30PM.
It's $5 a plate and the dinner includes homemade spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, drink and a dessert. All the proceeds will be going to the Pagel family.
If you're unable to make it out to the benefit but still would like to donate, you can head to any Chase or Huntington's bank location; just mention Maddie Pagel and show your I.D.
Maddie was a favorite of the RiverTown Crossings Mall Santa this past season. Santa gave her a bell to ring and that when she would ring the bell, Santa and Mrs. Claus would pray for her.
