In November 2016, Maddison Mertz was diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme at seven years old. Maddison endured different surgeries to remove tumors as well as continuous radiation treatments to combat the spread of the cancer. After six long, difficult and painful months; shortly after her eighth birthday, Maddison lost her battle to cancer on May 29th, 2017.
Maddison's story caught the attention of her community, city and was featured on a local news channel in Minnesota. Her neighborhood of Watermark in Victoria, Minnesota was heavily involved in making the last six months of Maddison's life, the best and brightest it could be. This included:
- Pink Christmas lights (pink was Maddison's favorite color) throughout numerous houses in the neighborhood during the Christmas season
- Neighbors grouping together and singing Christmas carols outside of her house
- Her closest friends and family tying pink ribbons on trees throughout the development, as well as a large banner with her name inside of a heart right outside of the Mertz's garage door
Needless to say, she captured the attention, thoughts and prayers of many people in the past six months.
With her impact on her community and neighborhood, I believe it would be respectable to pay tribute to this beautiful, smart and talented young girl in a meaningful way. There is a small park in the middle of the Watermark neighborhood that is currently named, 'Watermark Park." The Mertz's home sits across the street from the sign leading into the park. I pledge the city of Victoria, to rename this park "Maddison Park," in respect to the impact she made on the city of Victoria.
This petition is not subject to Victoria residents, but to everyone who understands the impact that Maddison made in the past six months. Many American's have loved ones who have lost their battle to cancer, and this disease affects many people throughout the nation. Maddison showed strength, love and hope through her battle, and brought the community together in which they portrayed the same characteristics that Maddison illuminated. At the young age of eight, Maddison made a rare impact on her community that brought out positivity, love and hope in many individuals.
I urge you to sign this petition to give a beautiful park, a beautiful name.
Thank you in advance for any support you may give, and please keep the Mertz family in your thoughts and prayers.
