One of the top songs on Madison Davis’ playlist is “Titanium,” sung by Australian recording artist Sia.
It’s a song about prevailing over adversity, and when the refrain, “I am titanium, I am titanium” comes around, the New Tampa 12-year-old sings along with the words coming from a place deep within her.
That’s because Madison recently had titanium rods surgically inserted in her back to correct a severe case of scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. The rods are attached to her spine in order to hold it straight.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a case of scoliosis is considered severe, requiring surgery, if a still-growing person has a curvature of 45 degrees or greater.
She is well on the road to recovery following the six-hour surgery she underwent at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa (located on the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida; see story on page 35 of this issue) in March, and her experience of overcoming a tough challenge at an early age has taught her to be generous.
Madison has formed a foundation {and applied for 501(c)(3) status} called Not on My Back, which raises money for rolling backpacks that she gives to children, including patients at Shriners who either have scoliosis or have had a spinal surgery.
Money is raised through fund-raising events and a GoFundMe page (GoFundMe.com/MadisonDavis). At our press time, the page showed that $5,625 of Madison’s $10,000 goal had already been raised.
To Madison, the rolling backpacks her project provides relieve a painful burden from the backs of children with scoliosis and is a way she can make a difference in the lives of others.
“It’s for a good cause, to give kids something they need and to make sure they’re not alone,” she says.
According to Madison’s mother, Helena Hampton-Davis, her daughter wants to express appreciation for the life-changing work that the doctors and staff at Shriners perform.
“She decided she wanted to do something nice for Shriners and that’s when she decided she wanted to start her own foundation,’’ says Helena. “We’ve committed to Shriners for 100 backpacks and we’ve already delivered 50.”
Helena adds that the backpacks are “fully loaded” with school supplies when they are presented to recipients.
The personal strength and generosity of spirit Madison displays has earned her a role as a member of the Shriners team, as a patient ambassador. The hospital’s public relations manager Lisa Buie says Madison is an inspiration to everyone who meets her.
“She is a delightful young woman, and we couldn’t be prouder of her,” Buie says.
There are many people who are proud of Madison and some of them gathered at her family’s home in Heritage Isles on June 24 to celebrate both her accomplishments and National Scoliosis Awareness Month, which is observed in June each year.
“Madison has a team of people who support her,” says Helena.
Professional artist and graphic designer Morgan Welch, who designed the fashionable “Curves are for hips, not backs” t-shirts that attendees wore, is part of that support team.
Another is Mercedes McDowell, who sells Premier Designs jewelry at in-home events and is planning one of the jewelry company’s “Parties with a Purpose” to raise money for Madison’s foundation.
Helena also acknowledges the daily, routine support her family received.
“There are people who came to the house to check on her,” Helena says. “They brought food, gifts, cards and stuffed animals.”
Madison and her family also want to raise awareness about scoliosis and within their circle of support, they have definitely succeeded.
Anytime a child goes through a tough situation, it’s always a challenge for their parents, too. Madison’s father, Mike Davis, says his daughter has become a role model for him.
“My strength is really listening to her,” Mike says. “Instead of complaining about the situation, she’s helping others.”
Through dealing with the curvature of her spine and the surgery to correct it, Madison has acquired insight as to what is required to prevail in such a situation.
“It takes courage and strength, and you will get those from your family, friends and doctors,” she says. “You have gifts that God gives you and you will discover them.”
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons website, as many as nine million people in the U.S. have scoliosis, which can develop in infants and toddlers, but most frequently begins when children are 10-15 years old. Severe scoliosis also can put pressure on the heart and reduce lung capacity.
Treatments range from wearing a supportive brace to surgery. Madison’s operation was performed by Geoffrey Cronen, M.D., a spinal surgeon at Shriners. His prognosis of Madison’s prospects for a fulfilling life is positive.
“She’s a great person and has a bright future,” Dr. Cronen says.
Madison says that her future includes designing clothes and exploring careers in medicine and law. “I want to help people,” she says.
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