By Kathy Kurtz Ferrari
Staff Writer
12/24/09
What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time, Milton High School soccer coach Mike Madden was looking at the upcoming holidays as an invalid, after waking up partially paralyzed from surgery to relieve back pain in October 2008. But after months of grueling physical therapy, doctors’ appointments, hard work, and prayer, Madden is back on two strong legs, resuming as normal a life as possible. “Things are going great. It’s a little different, and still a little painful, but overall it’s going pretty well,” said Madden, just a few weeks after resuming his job with Verizon. His job requires a lot of walking in and around Boston, and he admits he does wear leg braces “to be on the safe side,” but being able to get back to work was one of his goals. “It’s a little bittersweet, because it’s painful. But it’s the same job, doing the same stuff. So far it’s going OK,” he said with satisfaction.
His family – which includes his wife, Heidi, and children, Ryan, Savannah, Josh, Annabelle and Michaela – has seen an overflow of support from the community during his health ordeal. Heidi had just given birth to Michaela shortly before the surgical incident that left her husband unable to walk.
Meal deliveries, snow shoveling, baby sitting and rides to appointments were among the many overtures received by the family. Fund-raisers for the Maddens have been held throughout the year, as well. A secret Santa arrived at the Madden doorstep last Christmas bearing gifts for the family.
“It’s so hard to thank everybody,” Madden explained, as he reflected on all the help received from friends, neighbors and others. “The most important thing that I tell my kids is to give back, because of what has happened to us. I keep telling them it’s important to carry over to others because of all that was given to us.”
To answer that call, the Maddens have adopted several causes, including supporting the Home for Little Wanderers and My Brother’s Keeper. Madden also has an affiliation with Bi-County Collaborative, an organization that helps special-needs students.
Before the accident, Madden’s name was synonymous with Milton soccer, not only because he is the high school coach but because of his commitment to the sport. He runs a popular summer soccer camp for youngsters and he coaches several other teams, including the Eastern Massachusetts Football Club and the Bay State Games South East Team.
The season recently ended for the high school team, and Madden was thrilled to be back on the field. The team enjoyed a successful season, just missing qualifying for the state tournament.
“It was fun to be back,” Madden said. “It gave me something to do every day, and it was busy. We had a great season.”
He said the team is full of young players, with a small group of seniors with whom he has become very close. His club soccer begins in January, and he is “chomping at the bit” to get started.
And at this time of year, Madden and his family want to send their message of thanks for all they have received over the past year.
“And I am thankful for every step I take,” Madden added.