Maddy shows true colours
WHEN little Maddy Litchfield suddenly fell ill and had trouble walking, Michael and Bronwyn Litchfield rushed their daughter to hospital, as any loving parents would.
Within a matter of hours, nine-year-old Maddy was air-lifted to Brisbane and diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia.
With no time to prepare for the turmoil that had hit their lives, the Litchfields rushed to be by their daughter's side, leaving behind their Warwick home, friends and work.
While it would be easy to succumb to the despair associated with such a diagnosis, Mr Litchfield said he and his wife were focussed on getting their daughter well again.
"We were shocked and teary-eyed, as you could imagine, but we just have to be strong and focus on getting her better," he said.
Mr Litchfield said his daughter was happy to have little reminders of home while in hospital.
"Maddy is missing her friends but one of her friends came for a visit last week and her class sent her a lot of get-well cards," he said.
The youngster started chemotherapy almost immediately after being transferred to Brisbane but Mr Litchfield said spirits are high and Maddy is doing well.
"She is pretty weak from all of the medicine but a good thing is she is eating like a horse," he said. "Even though she is such a little girl she has no problem finishing off a foot-long sub."
Maddy was discharged from the hospital about two weeks ago and is now staying at the Ronald McDonald House with her parents.
The Litchfields are awaiting the results of further tests.
Those wanting to help the Litchfield family can make a cash donation at the Warwick Credit Union or purchase a raffle ticket from the Warwick RSL.
Help Maddy
Drop into the Warwick Credit Union branch and donate to the family
Purchase a $2 raffle ticket from the Warwick RSL
