Heather & Maddie - like mother, like daughter
The worst thing any parent can imagine is having to say goodbye to a child.
It is a thing of horrible dreams, an anxiety provoking thought train.
Unfortunately, for many parents, this is not just a terrible dream or thought, but a waking nightmare.
On April 7th, 2009 a beautiful, joyful, and energetic little girl only 17 Months Old, named Madeline Alice Spohr, died. She is survived by her parents, Heather and Mike Spohr.
The Spohrs have authored a website called The Spohrs Are Multiplying for over a year and a half, taking many of us with them through Heather's troubled pregnancy and Madeline's difficult premature entry into the world.
These are the kind of people one would describe with the phrase, "salt of the earth." They are kind, open, and real, with a zest for life and transparent compassion for others. We have celebrated their triumphs with them, laughed and nodded at the trials of parenting. We have stared into those amazing blue eyes over and over again, catching our breaths.
Madeline Alice Spohr
Unfortunately, we are now finding ourselves supporting them and helping them through their grief, as they mourn the passing of their only child.
When Heather had to rush to the hospital with Maddie last week, she was sending messages out to the world on Twitter. Many of us were following along, worrying, hoping for the best. Personally, I was anxious, but I honestly thought Madeline would be just fine and home again before long.
Heather Tweeted, "They're going to intubate her, I'm freaking out."
And then her Twitter Account fell silent.
When the online community learned later that Madeline had passed, a wave of shock and grief rolled through us all. That wave quickly turned into a ripple of support, love, and intense community.
Now that ripple has become a tidal wave. In this tragedy, we are seeing a show of compassion and humanity that is giving many of us renewed hope in our fellow man.
Website organizing all Maddie Information: March for Maddie
The Today Show updated about her: Baby With Crush On Matt Lauer Dies
The LA Times story: Death of blogger mom's dauther prompts outpouring from Internet community
The KTLA News Report Video: Death of Blogger's Daughter Mourned
Heather, Maddie, & Mike Spohr
In lieu of flowers, The Spohrs asked that donations be made to The March of Dimes March for Babies, in Maddie's name. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The Spohr family was helped by that organization greatly during Heather's pregnancy and the time following Madeline's birth.
Since this request, the funds raised on Heather's personal account have gone from just under $3000 to a current amount of $24, 255. The team she is part of, "Marching for Maddie - 2" is reporting just under $30,000. And there are more teams being formed all across the country to walk for The March of Dimes in honor of Maddie, each with their own fundraising dollars going towards the charity in Madeline's name.
It is stunning. Beautiful. Amazing. Right.
How can you help in Nashville?
There is a Paypal account set up to collect donations to the family to cover the huge medical and funeral expenses they are now faced with and cannot afford. You can donate to that fund here: Donate To The Spohrs
Nashville has a March of Dimes Walk Team for Maddie organized. You can donate to Maddie's Cause there, and join the team to walk on April 19th at Centennial Park. I urge you to give your time, get a little exercise, and walk in honor of Madeline and all the babies who need help being born healthy and living happily.
I will be there. I would love to meet you.
Nashville Team Maddie
Centennial Park
2500 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
April 19th, 2009
Distance: 2 Miles
View the Team Page for detailed information and to join up.
I am more than happy to answer any questions. My email: thelotuscarroll@gmail.com
Central Maddie Page: March for Maddie
The Spohrs Are Multiplying
Collection of Links Concerning The Maddie Campaign
Donate to The Spohrs (medical/funeral expenses): Paypal Maddie Account
Donate to March of Dimes Via Maddie's Original Team
Donate to March of Dimes Via the Nashville Maddie Team
List of March of Dimes Walk For Maddie Teams
How To Create A Team In Your Area
Visual Map of Maddie Walk Teams
Flickr Photos: Group In Honor of Madeline
Facebook: Walk Teams Group
Comments
Great article Lotus.
We are all still hurting so much for them. I hope there is good response for the walk!
Beautiful article Lotus.
I share Amy's sentiments...so much heartache for this amazing family.
our hearts must have dropped at the same time with heather's last tweet on tuesday. still so unbelievable.
excellent work, lotus.
You did a great job with this. My thoughts continue to be with the Spohrs.
You did a wonderful job with the article, Lotus. Little Maddie will live on forever in the hearts of many who have read this article, tweeted on twitter and read and written these heart-felt blogs across the globe.
Thank you to all who have dedicated their words, their prayers, their compassion, and their monetary donations in honor of precious Maddie.
Heather and Mike will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you to everyone who has shown their support simply because we are all forever linked within this online community of loving parents.
Angela
(twitter id: naturesencore)
You did a beautiful job, Lotus, and you're a wonderful friend. I can't imagine what Maddie's parents are going through. All I can do is support causes that honor their daughter, and love on them from afar. All best-
This was beautiful, Lotus. Yes, you did justice to Maddie and her family. It's been touching to see moms from all over the blogosphere band together for this.
Well done, Lotus. You did them justice.
Wonderful article, Lotus.
And you've done such an amazing job rallying the masses for the walks. Hope you have a great turnout.
Awesome Lotus. This is just perfect. You are such an amazing woman and friend.
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