What We've Done

Madi's Fund for Hydrocephalus Research and Financial Assistance for Families with Children Hospitalized was started in 1998 in Burlington, Vermont at Fletcher Allen Health Care.  It us named after our daughter, Madison Claire. She's my motivator for all the dedication and work that is needed to make Madi's Fund a success.

Initially, we had four Dinner & Silent Auction fund raisers and did mailings to family and friends. Support came from local businesses. In just two years we managed to raise over $41,000.

In September 2000, Madi's Fund became affiliated with University of Vermont (UVM) College Of Medicine in Burlington, Vermont. This provided us with direct access to neurosurgeons, fellow resident doctors, the latest research equipment, technology, and laboratories, and the support of the head of surgery and neurosurgery at both Fletcher Allen Health Care and UVM Medical School.

(Updated July 2009)

Since Madi’s Fund conception in 1998, we have held a total of 11 fundraisers which to date has raised $200,000.00 in an effort to raise awareness of hydrocephalus, promote research and encourage education and understanding of hydrocephalus in the community at large.   This has been done through the help of many local and corporate donors, to whom I am grateful to.

Madi’s Fund consists of a Research Fund that awards an annual research award to a prominent doctor to study different aspects of hydrocephalus.  RFPs are sent to doctors and researchers at UVM College of Medicine and throughout the country in an effort to submit research proposals and grant applications to the Madi's Fund Research Review Board. This board reviews the proposals and awards a research grant on an annual basis.

Additionally, Madi’s Fund has an endowed annual Lectureship at UVM College of Medicine that invites prominent Pediatric Neurosurgeons to give a lecture and round with the residents and medical students, in an effort to bring the latest groundbreaking procedures and research to the Vermont medical community.

What greater gift can I give to Madi and all her friends than creating a healthier and better world to live in? Madi's Fund is my way of giving to those in need and thanking the medical community for what they have given back to me, a healthy and happy child—my Madi.

Since 2000, Madi has been on long journey traveled in and out of hospitals.  In short, she is now 12 years old and will be starting 5th grade this fall at Rutland Intermediate School, being mainstreamed with all of her friends and taking Special Education classes.  She has undergone a total of 50 shunt revisions and 8 posterior fossa cyst surgerie s.  The longest time she has gone without a surgery was just under 4 years.  Amazingly, she has the strongest spirit and cheerful smile.  Madi loves school and all her friends.  She is active in skiing, swimming, loves crafts, books, TV, computer games and jokes.  From the time she wakes up in the morning until the time she goes to bed at night, Madi does not stop enjoying life to its fullest.  She is an amazing teacher and mentor of “What is truly important in LIFE!”

Looking back, I am amazed at what has transpired from Madi's hydrocephalus. She is a very happy young lady who brightens our days with her big dark eyes, her giggles, and her joy for life. You would never know she has hydrocephalus, except for some developmental delays. God has blessed us with Madi—His special gift—and has enlightened my life with much knowledge, strength, courage, new friendships, and a new understanding of what is important.

Looking back to that day when I was told about Madi's hydrocephalus, the only thing that I'd change is who would have the hydrocephalus—ME.

Madi is definitely “My Blessing in Disguise.”

                                                        Fondly,
                                              
                                                        Debra Poplawski-Jaurigue
                                                        Madi's Fund Founder & Director