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KAYSVILLE -- Fairfield Jr. High School's girls' basketball team is rallying around their team captain, who was recently diagnosed with bone cancer. They're not only raising money for her treatments, but they won a game dedicated to her at the last second.
At first glance, Madey Slaughter is like another 14-year-old. She loves basketball, softball, is learning to play the guitar and sings in her school choir.
But several months ago, Madey started experiencing pain in her hip that soon spread to her leg and back. A doctor recommended physical therapy, but the pain didn't go away.
"She tried to play basketball," her dad, George Slaughter, says. "She lasted about a quarter and had to take herself out of the game -- and she's not one to take herself out of the game."
Shortly after that, Madey was diagnosed with bone cancer. In late January she began chemotherapy at Primary Children's Medical Center.
The news was difficult for Madey and her family to hear.
"We've spent a lot of time traveling together, traveling to basketball games and softball tournaments, and a lot of one-on-one time in the car. She's not just my daughter, she's my friend," George says.
"It's my ninth-grade year, and knowing that I wouldn't be able to play was tough," she says. "I'm OK with where I am now because of [that game]." Now the team has dedicated the rest of the season to Madey. They're selling wristbands with her jersey number and T-shirts to raise money for treatment. Davis and Layton high schools also played games in her honor.
With five chemotherapy treatments left to go, Madey is optimistic about the days and months ahead.
"You've got to know it will be OK," she says. "It may not be OK right now, but it will be."
Madey doesn't want people to refer to her as the girl with cancer. Instead, she says she wants to be known as "someone who overcame cancer."
For more information on Madey and her fight against cancer, CLICK HERE.
There has also been a charity account* set up to help pay for Madey's medical expenses. If you would like to donate to the "Madeline Slaughter Treatment Fund," you can do so at any America First Credit Union branch. You can contact George Slaughter at slaughter.gs@gmail.com with any questions.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
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*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
