Meet Maddi

Maddilyn was born on October 2nd, 2010 after a grueling 30 hours of labor. She was the quietest baby. They placed her on my chest, and she just looked up at me like she had known me forever. I remember both of us had a fever, so they took her away to be checked out, and reunited us a couple of hours later. By that time, my parents and my husband had gone to get some sleep, so I was alone with my sweet girl. Just me and her, like it had been for the last 9 months, except this time I could kiss her fingers and her nose, and hold her close to my heart. I inspected every inch of her body. I watched her sleep with her eyes tight. Breathing softly. Knowing that she was safe and warm in my arms. I counted her fingers and toes. I rubbed her soft tuft of hair. I couldn't believe she was mine. I never knew I could love something as much as I loved her in that moment. As much as my heart was filled with joy, it was also filled with this pain. In that moment I knew that I would never be able to live with out her. Our hearts were connected forever. Up until the day her brother was born, I believed I would never love another person as much as I love her. Its a love only a parent can understand. Its a love unlike any other. Nothing comes close to comparing.

She was the most precarious child. From the moment we brought her home, she made it clear she had plans for how things were supposed to be. Nothing could hold her down. She hit every milestone early. She learned how to make us laugh, and stole everyone's heart with those big dimples and sparkling eyes. If you know Maddi, you love her. It was that simple. She had the most infectious giggle, the warmest hugs, and the brightest smile.

As she grew, we knew she'd be destined for great things. She was so very smart. She conquered everything she attempted. I remember sitting with my 2 year old as she put together 30pc puzzles with ease. She moved like a gymnast, jumping, climbing, skipping, and hopping to every place she went. She started ballet just shy of her third birthday, and through the years has grown to be an amazing dancer. She was very creative; our little artist. She took great pride in paying attention to details, and creating these beautiful pictures full of color. That was Maddi's view of the world. Everything was magically bright and colorful. I enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes. I love being Maddi's mom.

Maddi is one of the most loving and caring children I know. She is a devoted friend. A wonderful big sister. She is the best snuggler, and gives the tightest hugs. She is full of laughter and silliness, and was always bouncing from room to room.

Maddilyn is one of my favorite people in the entire world. I mourn every day that this illness keeps her from us. 8 weeks ago my sweet, silly, smart, vibrantly developing 5 year old started to disappear. I am blessed that she is living, and I get to hug her and hold her every day, but I miss her. I miss her laugh. I miss her smile. I miss her running through the house. I pray daily for her to be returned to us in full health. I have faith that she will make a complete recovery!

Welcome & Anti-NMDA Autoimmune Encephalitis

Welcome! I'm Tricia, Mom to Maddilyn (5 years old) and Jaxon (16 months old), and Wife to Jason.


I decided to document the journey of my daughter Maddi, while she undergoes treatment for Anti-NMDA Encephalitis, in hopes that one day our story can be helpful in diagnosing another child. I also wanted to shed light to the fear, anxiety, and shame that a diagnosis like AE can create, so other parents can relate and know that they are not alone.


There is very little information about NMDA Encephalitis, interchangeably known as: Anti-NDMA Encephalitis, Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis, or just simply, AE.


When we got our diagnosis, I scoured the internet for information regarding AE. I hardly found anything that was helpful. AE is rarely diagnosed, even if it is more common than we realize. AE presents as a complex host of symptoms, and for most people, it is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric issue, as Maddi's was. Had it not been for the great relationship we have with her Pediatrician and my knowledge as a Mental Health Counselor, I cringe to think how much more Maddi would have had to suffer.


The last 6 months of our life have been a whirlwind of chaos, but in that, I'm thankful that Maddi only got really sick in the last 8 weeks. I'm thankful daily that we have a diagnosis, but I mourn the trauma and suffering she has been through, and continues to go through on a daily basis. I pray each day that our sweet girl will be healed completely and returned to us.


I hope that through our story, someone can find peace and understanding, or even inspiration to push their medical team to test for this rare disease.