Benefit set for young girl with undiagnosed medical condition

Known as the Cupcake Boss, a dancer, crafter and all-around sweet young girl, 10-year-old Madison Frerichs was suddenly afflicted with a painful abdominal condition in August that doctors haven't yet been able to diagnose or treat.

Madison's digestive tract has progressively shut down since her first pediatric appointment 65 days ago, according to her father, Dennis Cheatham.

"The initial problem started with the large intestine, followed by the small intestine, and by Day 40, her stomach stopped digesting food," he said. He added that the doctors have eliminated or treated all the common problems, and that lab tests, biopsies and other results seem to be normal.

"So, at this time we don't have a diagnosis or a plan to treat and heal Madison," he said.

She has had numerous X-rays, gastrointestinal scopes, blood work, gluten allergy tests and barium contrast procedures. She's been given antibiotics, anti-parasitic medicine, and numerous other tests.

Madison has been hospitalized at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver for 21 days so far. Before being hospitalized at RMHC, she's had hospital stays in North Platte, Alliance and two emergency room visits here in Sidney.

Before getting ill, Madison started Cutie Cakes, a company where she made and sold specialty cupcakes at the local farmer's market to raise money for space camp next summer. She was active in Just for Kix dance class, 4-H and was taking piano lessons. She misses doing her normal activities, her dad said.

"She's a trooper, but it is a roller-coaster ride," Cheatham said. "This week has been some of the good days where her energy is up and she acts like her normal self, more so than the last two months. Last week, she could hardly get out of bed without assistance.

"She is frustrated and doesn't understand why they can't fix her. She has has bouts of anger and depression from isolation. She misses school and her friends."

Madison has had opportunities to see and talk to her 5th-grade classmates through the Internet, which Cheatham said has lifted her spirits.

"As adults, we 'power through' many things in life – just suck it up and deal with the waiting and not knowing," Cheatham said. "That is a hard thing to ask of a 10 year old."

Cheatham and Madison's mother, Adrienne, just wish they could find some answers.

"The not knowing what is causing this is the most frustrating part," Cheatham said. "I think we could deal better if there was a face to the illness and then a plan on how to deal with treatment."

Adrienne hasn't left Madison's side throughout the many hospitalizations. The Polished Image Salon, her business, has been essentially shut down for almost two months as she has traveled from hospital to hospital. Cheatham himself has been driving back and forth to Denver regularly, to go to work and to be here for Bailee, Madison's older sister.

The medical expenses have been overwhelming, according to Cheatham, and there are many thousands of dollars of expenses that Madison's insurance will not cover.

The Fox Theatre is chipping in by holding "Madison's Movie Matinee," a special showing of "Maleficent" to take place this Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m.

"We've been friends for a long time," said Kim Phillips, co-owner of the theater. "I knew (Adrienne) hasn't been able to work, and I thought, 'I have to help.'" Phillips even let Madison choose which movie to show.

"The Fox Theater has always been a huge supporter of the community and the people here in the area in times of need," Cheatham said. "(Owner) Kim Phillips has taken the lead for this fundraiser and personally gone out of her way to make sure it is a success. This fundraiser would not have been possible without her hard work."

Movie tickets can be purchased with a donation of any amount, and a raffle will be held for items donated by local businesses. The total value of the raffle items, including cash, items and gift certificates totaling more than $1,000.

Raffle tickets cost $1 for one ticket or $5 for six, and can be purchased at the theater, from Sally Harris, Bridget Brauer, Michelle Call, Candy Benzel and Phillips. All proceeds will go to Madison and her family.

Madison and her family have received an outpouring of well-wishes and help from the community, and they are grateful for it.

"Not only have people visited Madison, sent cards and gifts to the hospital," Cheatham said, "they have been watching over us at home, providing some meals and support for Bailee when I am in Denver."

Phillips encourages everyone to attend the movie event to help the family with expenses.

"I know there's a lot going on this weekend," she said. "But I hope people come out and help them."

For those unable to attend, donations for Madison can be made at American National Bank in Sidney and at Madison's Medical Fund website at http://www.gofundme.com/fxs6h4.