Above all Madeline loved her family. Madeline's parents Sonny and Shera and her brother and sister, Dakota and Erin, loved to play with Madeline, listening to her funny jokes. Madeline danced around the house and always with a smile on her face.
Madeline was diagnosed with a seizure disorder at the age of 10 months and developmental disability however that did not stop Madeline from enjoying life to its fullest through activities through the Special Olympics such as cheerleading, soccer and softball.
At the time of her death Madeline's life continued to impact others. Her kidneys went to an 8 year old boy and a 28 year old mother of three. Madeline's corneas gave the gift of sight to a 3 year old and a 46 year old man. Her liver went to research and her heart valves will one day help another individual.
The Herman family is working to create an organization in memory of their daughter called Madeline's Gifts to help other children and adults with special needs.