About Maddy

Madeline Stefania.

Maddy was bubbly and confident, a gifted student and writer. She could light up a room with her smile, and yet under it all masked her pain.

At the age of 11 Maddy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It was also the year she first attempted suicide. At 13, Maddy won the Jackie Robinson “Breaking Barriers” essay contest when she wrote about her disorder and two years later at 15, was the “Celebration of Life” speaker for the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions “Out of the Darkness” community walk.

Maddy continued to fight the pain as she and her dad became champions of suicide prevention through their volunteer efforts. She provided hope for those with suicidal thoughts and was notorious for befriending those in need. She felt others’ pain deeply and they would confide in her about their own depression and emotional problems. Many others have also credited Maddy’s strength and inspiration in saving their lives as well.

On October 4th, 2015 at the age of 19, Maddy succumbed to her illness and died by suicide. She is deeply missed by all. Through Remembering Maddy Scholarship Fund, her legacy will continue!