The towns of Waterford and East Lyme have been known rivals. Whether it be sports or education, a competition always seemed to arise. But in the last few years, this separation of these two neighboring towns began to change because of one very special and courageous girl named Madeline Guarraia.
Madeline fought a strong, five-year battle with cancer which caught the attention of the communities of East Lyme and Waterford. Many members of these communities followed a "Mad About Madeline" Facebook page, where Madeline's story was told by her loving mother, Amie Guarraia. While what Madeline was enduring was heartbreaking, she never ceased to remind us to smile. Waterford and East Lyme decided to put aside their differences and this on-going rivalry to support this beautiful young lady and her amazing family.
People from Waterford and East Lyme bought signs, headbands and shirts with the slogan "Roar on Madeline." Others came together to make it possible for Madeline to have an early Christmas. As Madelin wanted, toy drives were also run to bring Christmas to others who were battling cancer. The Waterford police even swore Madeline in as an honorary member. These communities went to great lengths to show Madeline and the Guarraia family how much they truly loved and cared for them.
In early April, Madeline Grace Guarraia gained her angel wings. A week ago, I attended a service for Madeline where people from Waterford, East Lyme, and other neighboring towns filled the bleachers of East Lyme High School's football field. This event was powerful. Two towns became one community to celebrate the life of a girl who made a huge impact in this world. What this special night and this empowering girl taught me and so many others is that there is still beauty and true kindness left in this world. She reminded others to tell the ones they love that they love them often. She inspired people to fight through their difficulties in life. She taught us as a community to care for one another during times of need and beyond.
I, as well as the community, thank the Guarraia family for allowing us to follow Madeline on this journey. Your daughter has touched our hearts and has had a profound impact on our perspective of this world. Because of your daughter, two towns have become one community held together by that unforgettable smile.
Here is a video from a local paper, The Day, of the beautiful ceremony to celebrate Madeline Guarraia's life:
