Madelyn Grace Hughes

Madelyn Grace Hughes,"Maddie," came into this world eyes wide open after a snowstorm on January 28th, 2026, at 12:27 p.m. at Hershey Medical Center. Her mother, Ashley (Hoover) Hughes, and father, Ben Hughes, having been so eagerly awaiting her arrival, were in awe of her long brown hair and sparkling blue eyes as she came into this world. From the moment she was laid into our arms, our world became complete. Our hearts had found a love that is incomprehensible to put into words that only a parent could understand. Our lives had purpose, and our days had color.

Yet in the most shining moment, a dark cloud loomed overhead. Maddie had been diagnosed in September 2025 via ultrasound with a condition known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, "HLHS", or Half Heart Syndrome. Missing her left ventricle, she would need a series of three open-heart surgeries in order to survive over the course of her life. Having completed the first surgery at just 5 days old, Maddie, Ben, and Ashley began to enjoy the blissful time in the PICU while in the recovery phase. During this time, we watched her conquer milestones and learn about her bright personality. We discovered how strong, picky, and animated she was. Maddie was quite boisterous and would let you know any time her diaper needed changing or when she wanted to be rocked by her Mommy and Daddy. She enjoyed being held in a chair swaddled in a blanket in her parents' arms for an afternoon nap. When she would wake from her naps, she would stare blissfully at us while our eyes locked onto hers, admiring her beautiful little face, and her Mommy and Daddy would say hello: "little loaf of bread", "little monkey", "little munchie", "baby girl". While she slept peacefully throughout the day, she would erupt at night, causing mayhem to a normal sleep schedule, deeming her nickname "Maddie Mayhem" by the staff. After nearly 12 binkies, we finally found "the binkie", the one she accepted after rejecting so many before. In the days to come, we would attempt to feed Maddie via bottle with an insatiable appetite; however, we were limited due to dietary restrictions. As we peeled away the monitor wires and IV lines, we finally began to see the finish line. The sight of home was in view. We were able to lift her from her bed more freely and at last put little outfits and socks on our beautiful baby girl. We would spend our days listening to music on her sound machine; among the favorites were "Runaway" by Jefferson Starship, "This Little Light of Mine", "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles, and "Good Morning Beautiful" by Steve Holy.

To the naked eye, everything seemed in order. As time would show, it was discovered that Madelyn's tricuspid valve also had a defect and was severely leaking. As time progressed, it began to show physical signs requiring her to be intubated for ventilator support. At only 7 weeks of age, in efforts to attempt a corrective action, she was taken back to surgery. This procedure would attempt to correct the valve leakage. In addition, it would be part of the second stage of open heart repairs that she would require, which normally would take place at three to six months of age. However, the repair sadly would not be enough to suffice the issue, and Madelyn was placed on a device known as ECMO, which would function as both her lungs and heart. In efforts to save her, we advocated for a transfer to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There, we would initiate the process for our daughter to have a heart transplant. With hope in our hearts, we anxiously waited to start the process, being optimistic that luck was on our side. Maddie had AB+ blood type, "universal recipient," meaning she could receive a heart from any donor, reducing her wait time. Unfortunately, due to complications as a risk associated with being on ECMO, Maddie suffered a global stroke that would affect all functions of her body and mind. Maddie spent her last day on Earth surrounded by her mother, father, grandparents, and great-grandparents. She passed away peacefully in the arms of her Mommy and Daddy, wrapped up in a warm blanket.

Maddie was everything and every word that defined love; she was perfection. She was our shining light in this dark world, our strength. The very breath that breathed life into our existence. We didn't know we were also living our whole lives with only half a heart until she came and made ours whole. She granted us the greatest title two people could ever hope to obtain: "Mom" and " Dad". One we will wear as a badge of honor for the rest of our days. It is a privilege to have you as our daughter; we are so fortunate you came to us. When we cast our eyes to the sky, all we will dream of is the day when we will see you again. Every moment with you was our greatest treasure. May you always know that your Mommy and Daddy's love for you is deeper than words, stronger than time, and it will follow you wherever life takes you. Until we meet again.

Love,

Mommy + Daddy

Mass of Christian Burial will be said at the St. Francis Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 10 AM with Fr. Zab Amar officiating.

A visitation will be held at the Beardsley Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 4-7 PM.

Interment will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery.

To sign the online guestbook, visit beardsleyfuneralhome.com.