A BRIGHT LIGHT

Maddie Smart adored many things, among them her golden retriever, Ziggy, her best pair of boots, lemon tarts, and her family - on most days. She was considerably blonder than any of us, a little bit louder, and always jumped off the high dive first. She unapologetically endorsed glitter, wanted a tattoo of a forget-me-not, and was diagnosed with leukemia during spring break in March 2018. 

Taking a break from studying neuroscience, she sat in a hospital room and was a ray of sunshine. Nurses marveled at her ability to crack jokes, she always ordered chocolate pudding for her siblings, and she never allowed herself to be dragged down into what was inarguably a serious drag. She was insistent on living her life regardless, from celebrating her 21st birthday to somewhat begrudging hikes in Acadia National Park, earning nods of approval and admiring gazes as her little bald head climbed up rocks and across bridges.

Rounds of chemotherapy, bags of antibiotics and even a bone marrow transplant she took on with relative ease, but regardless of the excellent care she received, her sparkling self couldn’t outlast her aggressive illness, which stole her away from us in just over a year. She leaves behind holes in many hearts, as well as a whole bunch of glittery dresses.

While all those that knew and loved Maddie desperately miss her every day, it gives her friends and family great comfort knowing that her bright life will live on through The Maddie Kate Fund at Maine Medical Center. Plus, Maddie would be thrilled, for all the times her nurses fought for her, she’d love this chance to return the favor.