Girl rings bell to celebrate being cancer free after two-year leukemia battle
By KCCI Staff
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Five-year-old Madi Seivert of Granger celebrated being cancer-free after completing her final chemotherapy treatment at Blank Children’s Hospital.
Madi, diagnosed with leukemia at age 3, spent 806 days undergoing 19 procedures, seven blood transfusions, and countless chemotherapy treatments.
Last year, Madi became one of the first children at Blank Children’s Hospital to receive Blinatumomab, a revolutionary immunotherapy drug that is now part of the standard care for treating leukemia.
“The fact that it happened when we were in the middle of treatment and she got to do that was life-saving,” her mother, Ashley Seivert, said.
According to Blank Children’s Hospital, 35 children have received the drug, and survival rates are now approaching 96 to 97 percent.
Madi’s smile returned as she prepared for the emotional moment, surrounded by family, friends and her medical team.
“Chemo is done, and you get to ring the bell,” the staff sang, as the group serenaded Madi with applause and cheers.
“I am so proud of you! You did so good! You’re done,” her mother said.
Her parents expressed their gratitude and relief.
“Very proud. Relief. Just thankful that her body was able to handle all the treatments,” her father, Marty Seivert, said.
Madi will start kindergarten in the fall, a milestone her parents cherish deeply.
“We got preschool graduation pictures done, and seeing her in a little cap and gown, I was like, we will see her in a cap and gown when she’s older, too,” Ashley said, tearing up.
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