Makiah Erlene Bartsch was born May 22, 2005 in Great Falls, MT. Nineteen days later she made our hearts complete when she arrived home in Helena. Since the first moment we saw her face, she held our hearts with her constant smile and squeal whenever she laughed. She danced and sang every moment of her life and loved adventure. She never shied away from a stunt and loved collecting worms, ladybugs and butterflies. Although at home in the dirt, camping and boating, she always asked to be “dressed up”. She would choose a dress over pants any day and if it sparkled or resembled a treasure, it must belong to her.
On November 5, 2009 she began a journey that forever changed our lives. Makiah was diagnosed with stage 3 hepatoblastoma, a childhood liver cancer. We spent 7 months in Spokane, WA and 2 months in Salt Lake City, UT. Over 9 months Makiah endured 6 surgeries, 7 rounds of chemo, countless transfusions, a list of medicines that make your head spin, a liver transplant and more procedures than one would ever think possible in 9 months. She fought with every breath in her. She yelled, screamed, cried and begged. She wanted it to stop, but became uneasy and asked to go see “her nurses” and to sleep in her hospital bed when she felt icky. We brought her home to Helena on July 26, 2010. The cancer had relapsed, again, and her body was betraying her. On Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 9:20am, Makiah Erlene Bartsch breathed her last. Her kidneys and liver had failed, her arteries restricted blood flow, fluid in her lungs and abdomen caused her tremendous pain. Makiah is finding the peace now with her Creator God that she couldn’t find here on earth this year.
Makiah is survived by her big brother Casimir, 8 years old, who always seemed to know how to make her laugh even if she was throwing up or yelling at him; her forever parents Jeremy and Bridget who thank God everyday for the amazing gift of a daughter who always smelled like cookies; grandparents Jack and Sandy Hamlin of Helena, MT, Patsy Corey of Great Falls, MT, Alvin and Sandi Bartsch of Spokane, WA; her uncle Nick Hamlin of Helena, MT and cousins Morgan, Ashley, Nikki and Kristi; her uncle and aunt Jim and Tammy Bartsch of Brady, MT and cousins Alyssa and Natalie.
Cancer remains the number one disease that claims the lives of our children. Each year cancer kills more children under the age of 18 than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and AIDS combined. Pediatric cancer is referred to as an “orphan disease” because there is little or no profit to be made by the pharmaceutical companies and the reason why they ignore pediatric cancers for the most part. In the U.S., combined, the cancers of children, adolescents and young adults to age 20 are the sixth most common cancer in the U.S. Recent reports indicate that nearly two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors experience significant medical problems resulting from their original cancer and/or its treatment. In achieving our goals together we will all share in a future free of the misery, tragedy, and loss of innocence and life caused by childhood cancer. ~ taken from: cookiesforkidscancer.org.
In addition to these statistics, hepatoblastoma that has metastasized kills 3 out of 4 children. Hepatoblastoma is a 1 in 1 million odds. That means that 200 children every year are diagnosed, out of that 200 only 2 will go on to need a liver transplant due to disease. We would be extremely honored and blessed if donations would be made in Makiah’s name to the Hepatoblastoma Foundation (hepatoblastomafoundation .org). Thank you.
Family will begin to receive friends Friday, August 13, 2010 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home from 4-6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Sat., August 14, 2010 at the First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave., Helena with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Bob & Wendy Garner says
Jeremy, Bridget, Casimir & Family,
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. Makiah was such a vibrant beautiful princess. We’ll never forget her smile, laugh, & the way she bounced so happily as she skipped along. We will forever treasure the memories of our camping trip and visits. We feel so priviledged to know & love your family. Jeremy & Bridget, you were so blessed to have Makiah in your life as was she to have you for her parents. She adored you both & her big brother, Casimir. Our hearts ache for your loss of your beloved daughter/sister. Makiah just had to look at you & she’d have you in the palm of her hand with that gorgous smile & personality. She was truly amazing. May you find comfort in knowing she’s with Jesus now & suffers no longer. We will always remember her & know that she is dancing in heaven among the Angels. You both have loved, watched over and protected your baby, now she is your Guardian Angel, with God, watching over you all. Dance & Sing pain-free Makiah-God speed.
Love & Prayers Always,
Bob, Wendy & Aiden Garner
Amy says
Dear Bartsch Family,
I am truely sorry for your loss. You don’t know me but I have a little girl the same age and it broke my heart to hear of your story. I know she is in a better place now, free of all pain and she will get to spend eternity like this now. I am going to hug all my children and thank god for all that I have. I pray for you and your family and you will be in my thoughts.
Beth Maslikowski Moyer says
Dear Bridget and family,
I wanted to offer my sincerest condolences. When I heard what happened, I wept. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you comfort. I wish you peace. I wish you strength. I know it has been years, but my heart broke when I heard this tragic news. Take care. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God rest his hands on your shoulders.
Jamie says
There are no words to express our condolences. What a blessing Makiah has been to your lives, and everyone else who knew her. Hold tight to all your precious memories. It is comforting to know that Makiah is in the Lord’s presence and free from suffering.Our prayers are with all of you.
Much love- Jason,Jamie,Jaida and Jenna
Carolyn Coefield says
My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to your family. I can’t come up with any words that could be sufficient in the face of the loss of your beautiful daughter/sister/grand-daughter. Her light and lovliness will continue to shine bright in the thoughts and memories of all who know your family.
Kadee says
I do not know your family, but wanted to share my thoughts and prayers with you all. What a beautiful little girl you have, I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing little fighter! She will forever be your bright shining light, looking down and protecting you every step of your life.
Theresa Boomer says
My heart aches so for your loss. What a beautiful, precious child – who will be looking down on you all until you meet again. Our prayers are with and will continue to be. God Bless and know in your hearts she is at perfect peace and with you forever more.
Amy Bushnell Tenney says
Bridget and Family:
My heard aches for your loss. Though I haven’t seen you in several years, I can feel the love you have for Makiah and I am so very sorry for the loss of your princess.
Betty Warren says
Precious, precious little Makiah. No more pain, no more suffering only squeals of delight as she walks with Jesus. Many prayers of comfort to you, her family.
Pat Johnston says
I am so sorry for your loss of such a beautiful little girl. Will continue to pray for your family during this difficult time.
Diàne Herrick says
I am so sorry for your loss of beautiful Makiah. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Sandra Carroll says
I am so sorry for your loss. It is a comfort to know that she is in the Lord’s loving hands.
Jessica Mitchell says
I am so sorry about the loss of Makiah. My heart goes out to you.