09/01/2026
A 6-year-old with a cancer diagnosis finds joy in painted rocks. Now, strangers are helping Maddie's Rock Garden grow. Find out how ⬇️
Meet Madison — she loves rocks, loves painting them, and has a very special place in her yard called *Maddie's Rock Garden*.
Earlier this year, Madison received a difficult diagnosis. In late May, she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer located in her stomach.
To help lift her spirits, family and friends started painting rocks and adding them to her garden.
> "Everybody really wanted to chime in and send Maddie some rocks as she's navigating this journey," Zach shared.
Each rock has words of hope, encouragement, or something that makes Madison smile — a rainbow, a butterfly, a favorite color.
> "It's the smallest thing. It might have a rainbow or a butterfly," her mom Lauren said. "It means a lot to her just to have a little inspiration, have a little joy."
What started about three months ago has now grown to *over 200 rocks* — from family, friends, and even strangers who have heard her story. On Saturday, a local classroom even delivered a batch they painted together.
> "I don't think she quite comprehends exactly what she's going through or how brave she is," Lauren said.
*Want to help add color and kindness to Maddie's favorite corner of her yard?*
The family has a P.O. Box set up and is always accepting new painted rocks. Her first surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, so any extra love this week means so much.
*Send painted rocks to:*
Maddie's Rock Garden
7500 W. 151st Street
P.O. Box 23335
Overland Park, KS 66283
Let's fill her garden with hope from Rockville to Kansas.
_via WCVB NewsCenter 5_
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