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Hotlantan
Member
02-24-2005
| Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 2:19 pm
With all the negative AI stories circulating, I thought the board could use a more positive one... Local cancer patient sees 'Baby V' live "Baby V" belted out "I'm Every Woman," and Madison Merrifield was there for every brassy note and sassy wink. The Fox TV cameras caught the Estero girl cheering and grinning and waving a "Vonzell" poster during Tuesday's "American Idol" performance by Vonzell Solomon. Madison's hair was crew-cut short, just now growing back after months of chemotherapy and radiation. "The show was really awesome," said an energized Madison, 11, after the live broadcast. "It was even better than watching it on TV!" Madison — the daughter of Estero Fire Chief Dennis Merrifield — is a huge fan of Solomon, who sang her way into the top seven "Idol" finalists last week. And she's dreamed of meeting the 21-year-old Fort Myers letter carrier. That's where Leapin' Lizard Bar & Grille came in. The Cape Coral restaurant raised more than $32,000 for the young cancer victim at a fund-raiser last week, and the money paid for her family's four-day trip, plus future medical expenses and whatever else she needs. Madison, Solomon and her family were on their way to dinner Tuesday night after the show, and Madison said she was thrilled to finally meet her hometown hero. "She's just fabulous," Madison said, putting on a faux Hollywood accent and giggling. "She's really funny. And she's definitely bubbly and full of energy." Solomon couldn't talk to The News-Press on Tuesday. It's against "American Idol" policy to talk to the media, she said through Madison. Solomon and Madison have become friends in the past two weeks, and they chat often on the phone. "I'm so happy to meet her," Madison said. "I feel good right now. "I feel really, really good." The family also will see tonight's show, where Baby V finds out whether she made it to the top six "Idol" contestants. Madison was first diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma cancer in July 2002. Since then, it's spread from her jaw to her lungs. Doctors say Madison has just four months to live, but her family remains optimistic. They are trying everything from herbal supplements to prayer. This week will definitely be something to remember, Madison said. She also met the show's three judges and got their autographs. And the Merrifield family even traveled to and from the studio in a limousine. "People started waving at us," Madison said. "They thought we were someone famous." The Merrifield family has taken in the sights while they are in Los Angeles. But make no mistake — their visit is all about Baby V. "We're very proud of her," Dennis Merrifield said. "She keeps getting better and better every week." link
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Alisons
Member
01-10-2003
| Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 4:18 pm
GO Vonzell! Well done!
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Mak1
Member
08-12-2002
| Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 5:57 pm
Thanks for posting this, Hotlantan. It's nice to read such a heartwarming story, especially after the bad press and rumors this season.
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 8:38 pm
Hotlantan, thanks for the article. Great story!
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Roxip
Member
01-29-2004
| Monday, April 25, 2005 - 8:18 am
I can't imagine what it must feel like to hear that your child only has 4 months to live. My heart is breaking for that family.
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Babyboo
Member
06-16-2003
| Monday, April 25, 2005 - 1:14 pm
God Bless that child, what a sweetie Baby V is.
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Cr8ofdata
Member
01-13-2004
| Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 11:10 am
Just a note - yesterday at Vonzell's hometown visit they announced that Madison is Cancer FREE!
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Watching2
Member
07-07-2001
| Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 12:05 pm
Awesome!
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