Maddie McIntyre survives cancer, to graduate high school

'Metal alloy rods' inserted in right leg as cancer was removed
Relay For Life is Friday in Woodstock 

By Mark Schadenberg

I've had the opportunity to meet champions from sports, but on Monday I met a true champion – a young lady who battled cancer and won.

Maddie McIntyre (right in photo) will graduate this month from St. Mary's High School in Woodstock, but the 18-year-old from Ingersoll will tell you quickly that a diploma is not her most significant accomplishment.

McIntyre is a cancer survivor – now cancer free after an extended battle with Osteosarcoma.

“I am truly blessed to have made it through my cancer (diagnosis and treatment) alive – with support from my friends and family. So many people have been such a huge support.”

McIntyre's prom is Friday – the same day on the calendar for Relay For Life in Woodstock. McIntyre will attend both with as many as 80 schoolmates and family joining her at the Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser at the CASS track around 10 p.m.

“I'm more excited about Relay then my prom,” said McIntyre.

Just one week before her 16^th birthday, McIntyre was diagnosed with cancer and after 18 months of chemotherapy and one pain-staking surgery, she is soon to be a high school graduate.

McIntyre's recovery included an operation that included not only the removal of her entire right knee, but also a portion of her tibia and femur. McIntyre describes her leg now with the knee joint being “metal alloy rods.” She was unable to walk for about six months as her operation at Sick Kid's in Toronto was April 11, 2012 and she didn't walk again until October of that year after physiotherapy and cancer treatments.

The Relay For Life organizing committee will recognize McIntyre after the 10 p.m. Luminary lighting ceremony, and introduce Maddie, and her friends and family, to enjoy a survivor lap.

“I often think of those who did not make it, who I had met in the hospital and who had the same cancer as me,” says McIntyre, who adds that Terry Fox also had the same cancer, and the Woodstock Relay is at the Terry Fox Memorial track at CASS.

The St. Mary's graduating class is planning to present a cheque at Relay as well.

Among McIntyre's fan club is best friend Kelsey Malott (also pictured), who will also graduate from St. Mary's along with her personal hero.

McIntyre adds: “At prom and at Relay, our graduating class will be together one last time, and I'm looking forward to walking the track at Relay – proud of my huge accomplishment.”