Mr. Nelson Joseph Lirette
October 27, 2009Industrial Boulevard closed for Chabert levee construction
October 29, 2009
Five-year-old Madison Boudreaux came face to face with her favorite pop star, Miley Cyrus, courtesy of several area big-hearted state troopers.
Madison suffers from osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Her wish to meet Cyrus was granted through Louisiana State Police Troop C’s Grant-A-Wish program.
Trooper Gilbert Dardar, who heads the local Grant-A-Wish program, said granting the little girl’s wish to see the Hannah Montana star live at the New Orleans Arena last Tuesday was the highlight of his day.
“It’s a wish for a lot of girls,” he said. “And we do what we can to grant every little girl’s wish.”
State police received word last Monday that Cyrus agreed to have a “meet and greet” with Madison. The family learned of the meeting Tuesday afternoon, and kept it a secret.
According to Madison’s mother Jaime Boudreaux, Cyrus has been her daughter’s favorite since she was 3 years old. However, when the shy 5-year-old saw Cyrus, she was in complete awe, her mother said.
Cyrus took pictures with Madison, autographed keepsake items and spoke with the family for about 15 minutes. Madison’s father, Jamie, and her twin brother, Andrew, also attended the concert.
Jaime Boudreaux said the Cyrus meeting was just what the family needed to lift its spirit during a stressful time associated with Madison’s illness.
“The moment was absolutely wonderful,” the proud mother said. “You don’t get them often, but when you do, you treasure them.”
Madison was diagnosed with cancer on March 13, days after her fifth birthday on March 8. The type of cancer Madison has is aggressive, according to her mother. Luckily, doctors diagnosed it in its early stages and were able to begin treatment.
Since then, Madison has undergone two surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy at the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
“She’s in good spirits,” her mother said. “Even though she doesn’t quite fully understand what’s happening to her, she has surprised everyone with how well she is doing. She is an inspiration to us all.”
The mother and daughter have shared a unique bonding experience during chemotherapy. As the little girl’s shoulder-length brown hair fell off, her mother opted to cut hers short as well.
“We were growing our hair long,” Jaime said. “But then this happened. I asked her did she want me to cut my hair too and she said ‘yes.’ So I did. My mother, mother-in-law and sister also cut their hair above the shoulder for Madison.”
Madison has two treatments left. Jaime said the long-term effect of her cancer will likely be a limited ability to lift objects with her left arm.
The young girl’s brave battle has won the hearts of the community.
Prior to departing for New Orleans last week, Madison and her family arrived at Houma’s Raising Cane’s restaurant on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in a limousine. She chose the restaurant because it serves her favorite chicken.
When Madison stepped out of the limo, restaurant employees cheered her name and held up congratulatory signs.
Chris Robinson, the restaurant’s general manager, presented Madison with a framed certificate recognizing her and her brother Andrew as honorary employees. She also received a Raising Cane’s hardhat, which normally symbolizes an employee’s 1-year anniversary with the company, as well as a gift basket.
“We were happy to participate in this special day for Madison,” Robinson said. “She is an inspiration to us all.”
State police also helped a second Houma child – 6-year-old Arianna Paddie – attend the Miley Cyrus concert with her family. Paddie, who suffers from a brain-stem tumor, was unable to meet Cyrus. However, Gov. Bobby Jindal provided his suite for the Paddies to attend the concert.
The Grant-A-Wish program provides children having life-threatening medical conditions an opportunity to experience one thing they’ve always dreamed of, Dardar said.
Using proceeds from the annual Grant-A-Wish Golf Tournament and donations from the public, Dardar said the program is able to help youngsters realize their wishes year round.
This year’s golf tourney is scheduled for Nov. 16 at Ellendale Country Club in Houma.
For more information on the fundraiser golf event or Troop C’s Grant-A-Wish program, contact Dardar at (985) 587-3683.
Louisiana State Police Troop C members Tracy Plaisance, Joey Schouest, Brian Harding and Gilbert Dardar are pictured with 5-year-old Madison Boudreaux at last week’s Miley Cyrus concert in New Orleans. * Photo by KEYON K. JEFF
