Cancer battle a lifelong journey

The spunky, outgoing fourth grader at Spring Valley Elementary in Millbrae was 3 months old when her pediatrician found a grapefruit-sized tumor inside her kidney. Kitz battled with cancer ever since. Next month she hopes to spend her ninth birthday in the hospital recovering from a kidney transplant.

The long recovery process is only half the battle. Kitz’s parents, Lisa and Charlie, work hard to make sure Kitz makes it to all appointments and still has a life with friends. Supporting the family while paying for the medical expenses is difficult and stressful for the family.

Despite the hardships, Madison is still a gift to her parents.

Madison was handed over to her adopted parents just moments after she was born. The Kitzes decided to adopt after years of failed attempts to have their own child. Madison Kitz was a happy, healthy little girl. Just a few short months later, Kitz began her lifelong battle with Wilms Tumor, a rare kidney cancer in children.

Weeks of chemotherapy were no help and by 5 months old Madison Kitz had her first kidney removed. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University became a second home for the Kitzes. The cancer spread to her second kidney prompting years of radiation and chemotherapy. Kitz had her second kidney temporarily removed near the end of her school year in first grade, said Lisa Kitz.

The special transplant surgery was the third ever done. The doctors removed the kidney, cleared the cancer from it then put it back in her body.

"I was asking the surgeons, ‘do you know how to do this?’ And they said they did,” said Madison Kitz.

Madison needed a transplant but was unable to get one until her scans came back without cancer for two years. Her final scan on Monday will be the last green light before the Nov. 6 surgery, four days before her birthday.

The curly-haired 8-year-old, who likes to tell people she’s 9, is gearing up for her birthday party this weekend. She gets to celebrate it early since she’ll be recovering next month. The vibrant little girl loves activity but is limited by her condition. She has tubes to watch out for and a feeding tube on her belly.

Currently Kitz goes to the hospital for dialysis three days a week. The family’s monthly gas bill totals over $400 just to make the trips. Luckily the Kitz caught a break when it was discovered that Lisa Kitz would be able to donate her kidney to her daughter — a rare match. The two will be kept in different rooms while they recover, a true test for Lisa Kitz who is used to being by her daughter’s side.

There is a 100 day recovery process for Madison Kitz during which she’ll be required to drink at least three liters of spring water each day. She must drink the special water to ensure she stays healthy. She will be home schooled during the process.

"Madison is a spunky, tough little girl. ... She’s adapted to adversity like no other because she knows no different,” said Spring Valley Principal Phil White.

Madison serves as an inspiration for others around campus, a reminder that little scrapes and bumps will pass, he said. While Madison is away, the school will keep in touch with her by calling, sending cards and thinking wonderful thoughts.

The first thing Madison would like to do once she feels better is go on a tropical vacation. Her three-a-week dialysis appointments prevent any long vacations for the family. She’s rooting for the Caribbean.

Anyone wishing to donate to help Madison Kitz’s cause should mail a check made out to Madison’s Medical Fund to 909 Hillcrest Blvd., Millbrae, Ca 94030.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.

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