After her first bout with breast cancer, Maddy Hacken of Bayside did what any survivor would do…she went skydiving with her son Bryan on her 50th Birthday.
In 2005, she was once again diagnosed with breast cancer and, once again, she won the fight. Just as she was coming off of her meds and “out of the woods,” as Bryan described, she was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma with Myeodysplastic Syndrome last year. After three chemotherapy sessions of a prescribed six, she was in complete remission.
Once she was remission, Bryan Hacken, 29, started to get involved with the Light the Night Walk organized by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a fundraising event to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. He formed “Team Attacken for Maddy Hacken,” which was able to raise the third highest fund amount in all of Queens in 2009 with $12,500.
“She’s a tough woman and wouldn’t ask anybody to do anything for her,” said Bryan, who has already organized a group of 55-60 walkers for the 2010 walk. “We want to get first in Queens this year and really set a mark.”
Maddy Hacken, 59, co-op president of Bay Terrace section 8 for 20 years, who describes herself as a devoted and giving mother and friend, has been grateful for the on-going support displayed by her friends and family.
“Before I had kids, before I had a whole lot of friends, I thought I could get through things on my own,” said Maddy. “Being in the hospital last year and seeing the outpouring of love and support was truly overwhelming.”
While in the hospital, Maddy says that Bryan, her daughter Elana and husband Myron “were with her every step of the way.” Currently, she continues to tutor children, substitute teaches at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children and volunteers at Cohen Children’s Hospital. Maddy and her team look forward to walking in their second Light the Night Walk on October 16 at Victory Field across from Woodhaven Boulevard in Forest Park.
To join or donate to “Team Attacken” visit www.teamattacken.org. For more information about the Light the Night Walk, visit www.lightthenight.org.
“She has faced each challenge with grace, determination and, amazingly, laughter,” said cousin Marcie Morris.
