Earlier this month, Madison Daughtry strode into Gateview Elementary School in Portland to begin another school year. And that, simply put, is amazing considering what the 11-year-old endured over the summer.

Flip the calendar back to June 23. Madi (as she’s called by everyone) and her mother Kristen, the Event Director for the Portland Chamber of Commerce, were enjoying a beach getaway to Destin with friends when Madi began running a fever.

Her condition progressively worsened. Her fever would eventually reach a dangerously high 105 degrees.

The Daughtrys rushed back to Tennessee via private plane. Madi was taken to the Intensive Care Unit of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt where doctors informed Kristen and Madi’s father, Jake, that their daughter had developed a severe case of pneumonia.

June 26, 12:52 a.m. (via Kristen’s Facebook page): “They have made the decision that they can’t support [Madi’s] oxygen needs via Bipap and oxygen support and are now putting a breathing tube in. She will be sedated while the tube is in. Jake and I couldn’t stay in the room while they do this procedure. Prayers appreciated.”

1:30 a.m.: “Oxygen is finally up in the low 80s. Breathing tube is in, and she’s on the ventilator. They are working on getting a central line in. Blood pressure has been low.”

The prayers and support were instant—and much appreciated— as Kristen and Jake endured many a sleepless night keeping a constant vigil.

Madi was already adored in Portland because of her cheerfulness and positivity despite several pre-existing health issues that have plagued her from birth. As news of her battle with pneumonia spread, the outpouring of love and genuine concern sparked a movement which extended to neighboring communities: #MadiStrong.

From Kristen’s hometown of Greenbrier to other areas of Robertson and Sumner counties and even into Franklin, Ky., the #MadiStrong hashtag made its way onto t-shirts and bracelets created by local businesses in Madi’s favorite color, pink, as well as business signage, yard signage, balloons, countless ‘get well’ cards, and much more. Portland’s Main Street Nutrition added a special #MadiStrong drinks on its menu. A local therapeutic horse farm, Circle M, even painted #MadiStrong on one of its horses.

“There were so many people who came to me and said ‘Here’s $25. Take that to use for gas or meals,’” says Kristen, the emotion evident in her voice. “It’s hard to put into words how thankful we are for the overwhelming support shown by Portland and surrounding areas, how they threw themselves into loving us and praying for us.”

When Portland Chamber CEO Sherri Ferguson posted a request for people to wear pink in honor of Madi, she was “amazed” at the response.

“The support was such a blessing,” says Sherri. “The amount of photos that were taken showing people in pink, not only in Portland, was truly heartwarming. There were several offices around the area where all the employees wore pink. It was just people coming together for a common cause, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Gradually, Madi began to improve. From July 7, Kristen posted on Facebook:

“Check. Her. Out.

Yesterday she was extremely weak, and we were told an intensive inpatient rehab facility may be the best thing for her.

Fast forward to this afternoon. She put her own socks on with [Occupational Therapy] and then walked down the hall and back with [Physical Therapy]!

…Like she has done since she has been born, she pushes and fights and wants to get better. She is my hero for sure and a gift from God.”

On July 10, the stressful situation that began 15 days earlier, became hopeful. Madi was released to go home. On July 21, her feeding tube was removed. She’s feeling better and taking things day by day. 

The Daughtry family has sincere gratitude in their hearts for the doctors, loved ones, and friends who rallied around them in their time of need.

“My faith in people and community has grown exponentially,” Kristen declares. “It was humbling to see how much of an impact our precious girl could make on so many people.

“I have no doubt that God has used Madi to touch lives, and He will continue with that plan.”