Hospital day program helps teen with cancer thrive, maintain grades
Doctors say it's a miracle that Aubrey Madden, of Montgomery, is able to stay on track academically.
A 14-year-old from Orange County is opening up about a program at her Valhalla hospital that helps her maintain her grades as she gets medical treatment during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Doctors say it's a miracle that Aubrey Madden, of Montgomery, is able to stay on track academically.
Two years ago, she couldn't even walk and was diagnosed with a rare cancer that can grow on the spinal cord called ependymoma.
"It's sometimes hard to walk because it was on the spine, so that affects like the legs and the nerves and stuff," Madden says.
In 2023, Madden was admitted to Blythedale Children's Hospital for rehabilitation.
Dr. Rebecca Carlin says Madden is able to get medical attention and maintain her grades because of the Day Hospital Program.
"One of the great things about our program is we're able to accommodate their medical needs, and take care of kids..., and allow them to go to school and not fall behind in their grades," Dr. Carlin says.
Madden's dad, Joseph, says this program will hopefully help her achieve her dreams of working as an oncologist one day.
"There's no lag, we're not worried about her being left behind because this school is a little bit different," Joseph says.
For now, Madden continues to thrive and is taking on leadership roles within the program.
She has this message for other kids battling cancer and their bookwork at the same time.
"I don't think it's something to be scared of. I think it's something that your body's trying to be negative about, but you're just too positive for that," Madden says.
To learn more about the Day Hospital Program, click here. https://www.blythedale.org/services-support/day-hospital
