The family of little Caden Brown, who died at age two from brain cancer, are now asking his supporters to ‘Pray It Forward’ to another sick child.
At just four months old, Maddie Pagel of Kentwood was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. By her first birthday she already went through 11 chemo treatments and doctors put her in remission in 2011.
But her mom, Tracy Pagel, said that in August 2012 they found two new tumors.
Pagel met the Browns through Facebook and just six months ago they two met in person at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Caden Brown from Bloomingdale lost his battle with brain cancer a few weeks ago, and his story and fight grabbed attention nationwide. But during his funeral and through a post on Facebook the Brown’s asked their “prayer warriors” to send their support to Maddie.
Pagel says within hours of the post being up, she saw a huge amount of support coming in on the ‘Fighting Strong For Maddie’Facebook page.
“I can’t even put into words how it’s been. It’s just emotionally wonderful,” she said.
Pagel says childhood cancer isn’t talked about enough and through Caden and her daughter the two families will continue to spread awareness.
“You know when she was first diagnosed I was like we’re alone in this but you’re not. There’s other kids out there that are fighting and they need all the research and help to find cures for this.”
A benefit will be held for Maddie on Septemeber 7 at Woodhaven Reformed Church in Byron Center.
