Andrew Madison
Type of Donation: tissue donor
Age and Location: Age 14 – Bedford, VA
Donation Date: 11/13/2007
Sponsor: Honored by LifeNet Health
ANDREW’S STORY
Andrew “Little Wolverine” Madison (9/20/1993-11/13/2007) was diagnosed at 3 weeks with Hypoplastic Left Heart syndrome, Patent Ductus Arteriosus and several other heart anomalies.
His life was short in years but not in the lessons we learned in humility and acceptance of one’s life in this world, and conquering your fears in the face of things you have no control over.
Andrew received the Gift of Life in the form of a new heart on July 17, 2000. My sister and I saw the helicopter fly in to Duke hospital. We ran through the halls to the elevator, just in time to catch a glimpse of the courier carrying the red igloo with Andrew’s new heart. That was a powerful moment knowing Andrew would receive life while another had lost theirs.
He was immediately better and after a few bouts with rejection he slowly started to live like a normal child. Andrew was quite the jokester and loved Super Heroes. During the post-transplant stage, he grew a lot of hair all over his body from the medications and he named himself Little Wolverine. He took great pleasure in wearing a Wolverine cape and growling at people in the nursing home he visited. Finally, able to ride bikes, climb trees, roller skate and snow sled with his brothers, it was easy to forget that this wasn’t going to last.
What makes Andrews life unique and such an inspiration, was his desire for others to have a chance at life as he did. Andrew talked about building homes that would accommodate people with all disabilities with things like facial recognition to open doors. In the months before his passing he told me he wanted to be a donor.
On Nov 13,2007 while getting ready for school, Andrew collapsed. His wishes were honored and because of his selflessness, 18 lives were affected by his donations. It wouldn’t have mattered if it was only one. A difference was made. Surely, he is smiling now.