Madison Marie Dallas

Funeral: 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1927 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. Interment will follow. Viewing: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with rosary at 7 p.m.

Memorials: The greatest tribute to Madison would be a donation made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFF-NTWO, 3102 Maple Ave., Suite 120, Dallas, Texas 75201.

Madison was born in Galveston on May 1, 1997. The family moved to Arlington in 2005. She recently graduated from Holy Rosary Catholic School in Arlington and loved her time as a freshman at Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth.

Although Maddie fought a lifelong, courageous battle with cystic fibrosis, she never let it stop her from living life to the fullest. In her early years she was an accomplished gymnast, dancer and purple belt in karate. Once the disease progressed, Maddie focused her abilities on things allowed by her physical condition. Her intellect and inquisitive nature exceeded her years. She was an avid reader with a natural talent for creative writing, and she enjoyed art. Maddie's artwork has been used in cards, posters and permanently displayed at Cook Children's Medical Center.

Maddie was such a dedicated student that although missing numerous school days, she remained on the A honor roll and was a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Her insight and abilities belied her age, especially when discussing her condition. Her doctors treated her more like a peer than a patient. She was never bitter towards her disease, but attacked it head-on, enduring many hours of daily treatment without complaint. In fact, Madison considered her disease as God's way of bringing others to faith. She has touched so many with her deep abiding love and spirituality. Maddie said, "I'm blessed and honored that God chose me to suffer with cystic fibrosis because I know it will bring more people to pray and be closer to God." Many have said that even a brief moment with Maddie has changed their lives for the better. Maddie had few regrets, even knowing her life would be shortened by CF. Her greatest regret was that she was unable to pursue a career focused on research to cure CF. Although she fell short of her goal, we know that others will one day fulfill her dream. Many have prayed for a medical miracle for Madison; we've come to realize that the true miracle was God's gift of Maddie to us.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible outpouring of support and prayers received during Maddie's lifetime. Special thanks to Dr. James Cunningham and the Pulmonary service, and to all the other doctors and nurses at Cook Children's Medical Center. We also thank the families at Holy Rosary and Nolan schools, Deacon Bruce, and the religious community for prayers and support, especially Brother Al of Nolan High School and Father Pio Maria who anointed and confirmed her as Therese prior to her death. Your love and caring have lifted us all.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Dr. George Varga and Dr. John and Sue Dallas; and aunt, Susan Grubbs.

Survivors: Madison will be remembered by her loving parents, Drs. Dara and John Dallas; best friend and brother, Jonathan; sister, Jessica Carlson (Stephen); brother, James; grandmother, Carol Varga; uncles, Christopher Varga (Thosie), Paul Varga (Michelle), Eric Varga (Wendy), Dr. William Dallas (Julie), Dale Grubbs; aunts, Holly Scott, Nancy Dallas (Charley), Donna Balliet (David); cousins, Jordan, Anthony, Damian, Drake, Dane, Danilo, Caitland, Emma, Will, Nick, Ben, Jorde (Jacquelyn), Nick, Connor, Dallas, Dana, Amelia; her "Lita," Maria Gonzalez. She was also cherished by a large extended family and her beloved dog, Dacie.