A Leukemia and Lymphoma benefit assists the daughter of a former Bluffton resident from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 10, at the Bluffton Sportsmen's Club, Spring Street.

Here is the story behind this event:

There is a campaign going on in the struggle against blood diseases, and it’s being headed by Tim Sargent and his daughter, Maddie, wife Cara, and daughter Ashley. 

Many of you remember the Sargent family when they were in Bluffton. Rev. Jim Sargent was pastor at the First United Methodist Church and Tim was a 1992 Bluffton High School graduate.   

Maddie contracted leukemia at age 6. It was a horrible fight, but she is now 14 and cancer free.She was named ‘spokeschild’ for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society last year and is now actively involved in helping other young people and their families in this situation.

She is strong, brave, and beautiful, loves cheering and gymnastics, has started tennis, and has done well in school. Her attitude and personality have been amazing  to see.  

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Maddie Sargent LLS background

In 2008, Maddie was a very active 6-year-old. She really enjoyed tumbling and competitive cheerleading. While leaving a competition, she started limping. She said her knee hurt a little but she was fine. That week we took her to the pediatrician where she was diagnosed with growing pains.  A couple weeks later, a blood test revealed acute lymphoblastic leukemia and her battle with cancer began.

Medical news for Maddie quickly went from bad to worse. For some reason, remission was not attainable. We were finally told there was one more chemo she could try but it probably wouldn’t work and it was time to call our family down for one last visit. Prayers were answered, the chemo worked, and Maddie was rushed to a bone marrow transplant.  Given a 20% chance of success at that, she’s here now and over six years cancer free.  She is cured!

She was able to rejoin her friends in her elementary school class at the current grade level.  This was due to the determination of her teachers who came to our house before and after school to work with her. 

She was also able to go back to tumble and cheerleading due to her unstoppable spirit and some coaches who devoted a lot of time to seeing her succeed.  Due to a whole lot of prayers and help from God through medical diligence, Maddie’s life is now back to normal.

From the beginning, Maddie always had a positive outlook no matter the current situation.  She looked at us the night of her diagnosis and said, “Don’t cry.  I’m going to kick leukemia right in the tail.”  

That spirit kept her and all the rest of us going throughout her ordeal.  She has grown from a little girl with leukemia into a beautiful young lady who wants to get rid of cancer.  Now, Maddie wants to lend her positive attitude toward raising awareness and financial support to help defeat blood cancers.