Madeline Dodd, 11, of Ishpeming was selected by Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to be highlighted this week by his organization “Hutch’s Heroes.”

On Feb. 24, Dodd was diagnosed with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and began treatment with Mott Children’s Hospital.

In May, Hutchinson and his family met with Dodd and her dad, Charlie.

“They came into our room to meet Madeline,” said Charlie Dodd. “Everyone was all smiles, they had to wear masks because of Maddie’s blood numbers but you could hear their smiles through the masks. They are all so positive and have a righteous outlook towards daily life. They spent 20 minutes in the room, Maddie played some ukulele for them and they gave her a very beautiful crown.

Madeline Dodd, 11, of Ishpeming is pictured. Dodd was selected by Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to be highlighted this week by his organization “Hutch’s Heroes.” (Courtesy photo)

“It wasn’t an in-and-out deal — they spent a good amount of time with each child that was well enough to have visitors. They really do care and enjoy learning each story in depth.”

Charlie said the experience was extremely refreshing from the monotonous norm that one tends to get used to when staying long-term at a hospital.

“You could instantly tell (Hutchinson) was one of the good ones in this world,” Charlie said. “He is focused on only a few things, and those are the things that are extremely important to him. He is righteous and kind. This experience was a beacon of light in some extremely dark times.”

On Monday, Hutchinson showed up to Detroit’s game against the Baltimore Ravens carrying a water bottle with Maddie’s mantra adorned on his water jug — “Fight like a diva.” Hutchinson dedicated the game to Maddie, and had a sack and a forced fumble on Ravens running back Derrick Henry late in the game to essentially seal the victory for the Lions.

“From the first call, to seeing (Hutchinson) punch the ball out of Derrick Henry’s hands during the game (on Monday) in honor of our beautiful little warrior’s name is something that will forever bring a smile to our faces,” Charlie said. “Tears are not uncommon in our house this year, but tears of joy are. It filled our tanks with joy and we will forever be thankful to all the Hutchinsons.”

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson carries a bottle with Dodd's mantra, "Fight like a diva," written on it before Monday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo courtesy of www.thehouseofhutch.com)

Maddie’s mom, Ashly, said that Hutchinson gave Maddie a blanket that they now refer to as her “Hutchie.”

“She sleeps with it every night and it makes every trip to the hospital,” Ashly said. “The Hutchinsons are amazing.  The time they spend at the hospital with families matters so much. Watching all of the kids smile and light up, forgetting about their battles for that moment is so uplifting.”

Ashly added that the experience brought a moment of happiness during a time when that is really hard to come by.

“So many things are difficult during this journey,” she said. “So to see someone like Hutch celebrate our hero as his own — it means everything.”

Ashly said the family is incredibly grateful — not only for the recognition of Maddie’s bravery by someone she admires, but also the support of their community and her school family every step of the way.

On Hutchinson’s website, www.thehouseofhutch.com, he shared photos and some information about Maddie.

“When we met Maddie in the hospital, our day immediately got brighter and more beautiful,” the post reads. “She is the sweetest little princess around and we treated her as such by donning her in her very own sparkly crown. There is no shortage of joy within her soul.”

Hutchinson’s post stated that through it all, Madeline has remained a radiant light.

“(On) that day, (Hutchinson) gave her a crown — an act that couldn’t have been more perfect. Everyone who knows Madeline already calls her a Princess, but from that moment on, she proudly became Queen Madeline. Her strength, courage and perseverance continue to inspire everyone around her. She faces each day with grace and grit, and we couldn’t be more proud of our girl.

“Maddie is so special to us and the ultimate example of pure joy. Her strength and spirit inspire us every day to find joy in the little things and laugh a little more often. Be like Maddie. Fight like a diva.”

There is a GoFundMe to help aid the Dodd family with expenses that can be found at https://gofund.me/73e29b106.