Madison (May May/Madi) was born on September 8, 2000 to DeAnn Gould and Jason McMeekin in Galveston, Texas. She went on to live a rollercoaster life, ultimately splitting her time between her home and the hospital. Constantly hopping between school and doctor’s appointments, her bed, hospital beds, even having to spend a good portion of birthdays and holidays secluded away in a hospital room. Although this is an unorthodox way to grow up, Madison handled it with grace. She was always eager to get to spend a day with mom, took pride in knowing all of her medications and the plan for each day. Her medical condition may have kept her from many things, but one thing it couldn't keep her from was meeting people and making friends. Madison had a unique kindness that people just seemed to be drawn to, she was the light in every room, and you couldn't help but love her. This life allowed her to experience so many unique opportunities such as an amazing trip to Disney World, gifted to us by Kidd’s Kids, an unforgettable cruise, gifted to us by the Make A Wish Foundation, as well as introducing us to so many incredible people that became her support system throughout the years.
At only 13 years old, May received a double lung transplant and we will all forever be so very grateful to the donor family that allowed us 8 more amazing years.
Although she wasn't able to participate in many vigorous activities, shortly after her lung transplant she wasted no time joining the Deer Park drill team and enjoyed every minute. She surprised everyone with her determination and ability to persevere. Eventually she attended an early college program at Clear Horizons, graciously worked as a teacher’s assistant while in high school, and always made sure to maintain a social life full of family and friends. Madison was also extremely passionate about her pets (especially Dozer) and always had plenty of pictures to share.
The best way to describe Madison would be to talk to her friends who knew her as “Madi.” As Many of them know, health problems were not the only thing she struggled with. As she grew up, she struggled greatly with mental health issues and family issues. She was the very definition of a fighter and in the end we found out she was so much stronger than any of us realized. She was fighting so hard every day just to be with us all a little longer.
Madison’s memory will forever be cherished by father and mother Nate and Deann Gould, sister Alyssa Bueso and her girlfriend Jakeia Black, and brother Keegan Mason. Along with her grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a very long list of friends.
We would like to thank all the medical staff at MD Anderson and Texas Children's Hospital for the amazing care and support over the last 15 years.
In the end she did not lose her battle, instead she surrendered to the pain. She stayed as long as she could for all of us and now is at peace resting easy and watching over her family and friends. If you are not already a donor, please consider becoming one.
The family requests any flowers and notes be sent to Grand View Funeral Home at 8501 Spencer Highway Pasadena, Tx 77505.
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