Editor’s Note: Back in September, we ran a story about the Sterling 3rd and 4th Grade football team dedicating a game to their classmate. This is a follow up on Colton Madden.
To say this past year has been eventful would be a HUGE understatement for the Madden family of Sterling.
One year ago, Elizabeth and Thomas Madden sat in their son’s, Colton, annual cardiology appointment, when they received the news they had been dreading since his birth.
Colton was born with a congenital heart defect. His defect had significantly worsened and as soon as possible, their 8-year old son would be facing open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve.
“Although we had been told since his birth; that this day would come, you can't truly be prepared when that reality hits,” stated Elizabeth. “Everything in our lives began to revolve around the impending surgery.”
“This last year changed my family and unbelievably enough, only for the better. We were forced to rely on God 100% to get us through those next few months of dreaded anticipation, the surgery, and the recovery. It strengthened our faith, brought us closer together as a family, and amazingly enough it also opened new doors for Colton.”
Due to Colton’s condition, he had always been restricted from aerobic sports.
“That was slightly disappointing, but keeping our son strong and safe trumped any aspirations we had for him with sports,” his mother added.
Then on Oct. 22, Colton had successful surgery in Kansas City, MO. The small town of Sterling rallied around him. While in recovery, Colton met former Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Dexter McCluster.
"By the grace of God, Colton had an amazing surgery and recovery, and now almost year later, for the first time in his life, Colton was released from medical restrictions and was allowed to play baseball,” Elizabeth excitedly said. “I truly don't know who was more excited and nervous, mom or dad, but Colton was all smiles.”
Colton played for the Mighty Molars through Sterling Recreation Commission with Coaches Michael Gray, Cameron Vincent, and his dad, Thomas Madden.
To say this past year has been eventful would be a HUGE understatement for the Madden family of Sterling.
One year ago, Elizabeth and Thomas Madden sat in their son’s, Colton, annual cardiology appointment, when they received the news they had been dreading since his birth.
Colton was born with a congenital heart defect. His defect had significantly worsened and as soon as possible, their 8-year old son would be facing open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve.
“Although we had been told since his birth; that this day would come, you can't truly be prepared when that reality hits,” stated Elizabeth. “Everything in our lives began to revolve around the impending surgery.”
“This last year changed my family and unbelievably enough, only for the better. We were forced to rely on God 100% to get us through those next few months of dreaded anticipation, the surgery, and the recovery. It strengthened our faith, brought us closer together as a family, and amazingly enough it also opened new doors for Colton.”
Due to Colton’s condition, he had always been restricted from aerobic sports.
“That was slightly disappointing, but keeping our son strong and safe trumped any aspirations we had for him with sports,” his mother added.
Then on Oct. 22, Colton had successful surgery in Kansas City, MO. The small town of Sterling rallied around him. While in recovery, Colton met former Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Dexter McCluster.
"By the grace of God, Colton had an amazing surgery and recovery, and now almost year later, for the first time in his life, Colton was released from medical restrictions and was allowed to play baseball,” Elizabeth excitedly said. “I truly don't know who was more excited and nervous, mom or dad, but Colton was all smiles.”
Colton played for the Mighty Molars through Sterling Recreation Commission with Coaches Michael Gray, Cameron Vincent, and his dad, Thomas Madden.
"The first couple of games were tough for Colton. He struck out every time he was up to bat, but each time as he walked back to the dugout, he would look over his shoulder and flash his momma the biggest smile,” Elizabeth said. “Of course, he was disappointed, but that disappointment couldn't overshadow his thankfulness and the true joy he was feeling finally getting the chance to play and be part of the team.”
Then all of a sudden, the jitters wore off, practices paid off and things started to click for Colton explained his mother.
“Colton's first hit was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life as well as the giant hug he gave his dad, whom serves as the first base coach, when he made it on base,” beamed Elizabeth. “I was afraid they were going to tag him out because of the celebrating.”
Then all of a sudden, the jitters wore off, practices paid off and things started to click for Colton explained his mother.
“Colton's first hit was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life as well as the giant hug he gave his dad, whom serves as the first base coach, when he made it on base,” beamed Elizabeth. “I was afraid they were going to tag him out because of the celebrating.”
The excitement of the first milestone would be short lived.
“I thought that moment couldn't be topped, but only minutes later, we all were crying happy tears when Colton crossed home plate for the first time. And on his dad's birthday nonetheless. His father and I were overwhelmed with emotion, because honestly a year ago, we weren't sure what the outcome of his surgery would be, and now he was celebrating his first ever run in a baseball game!”
“I thought that moment couldn't be topped, but only minutes later, we all were crying happy tears when Colton crossed home plate for the first time. And on his dad's birthday nonetheless. His father and I were overwhelmed with emotion, because honestly a year ago, we weren't sure what the outcome of his surgery would be, and now he was celebrating his first ever run in a baseball game!”
In his age division for the Sterling Recreation Commission, the boys bat off a pitching machine. Colton played in the pitchers position.
“Many times during this season Colton was able to field the ball and tag the batter out, which one spectator decided was Colton's signature play,” his mother added.
“Many times during this season Colton was able to field the ball and tag the batter out, which one spectator decided was Colton's signature play,” his mother added.
“We are so grateful for his coach Michael Gray's patience and encouragement, we know he played a huge role in Colton's growth over this season. It’s amazing to see how much life can change in a year. We are so thankful for these new opportunities for Colton and we all can't wait to see what God has in store for him this next year, hopefully we will be spending next summer at the ball field too.”
Information shared by Elizabeth Madden; story compiled by staff
Information shared by Elizabeth Madden; story compiled by staff