Madison Zeman is the daughter of Michael and

Leigh Ann Zeman. She lives in Alum Ridge VA with her

parents and little sister Bethany. Madison is a 2024

graduate of Floyd County High School and has completed her first year at Radford University majoring in Music Education.
From an early age she’s had a love for music. She started learning violin when she was in the 3rd grade taking lessons with Floyd JAMS through the June Bug Center and eventually transitioned over to the Blue Ridge Music Strings program. In 2023-2024 she was a member of the Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra. During her first year at Radford University, she was a member of the University Chamber Strings Orchestra as well as the University Community Symphony. Madison also serves on the Board of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Music Festival.
Not only does her love of music run deep but so does her faith. She and her family are part of the large community of Faith in Floyd and surrounding counties. Madison grew up in church and has volunteered with several youth groups (including God’s Kids, Camp Imagination, The Little White Church’s Camp Sonshine, Topeco Church camp, and Young Life) to do missions trips, camps and other service projects. She is currently a member of the C3 Campus ministry group at RU. She has been blessed to participate in a Community Worship group in Woodlawn VA and up until her recent diagnosis, played violin for the worship team at her church -Compassion Church Radford.
In February of 2025, she began having some pain in her hand while playing violin and we noticed a lump on Madison’s left arm. After a biopsy was done, she was diagnosed with a type of cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. This is an extremely rare type of cancer which is predominantly found in children and young adults. The cause of this type of soft tissue cancer is unknown.
Madison has chosen a care team at UVA for her treatment. Due to the aggressive nature of this tumor, she immediately began chemotherapy to shrink down the tumor. She receives chemotherapy treatments on a weekly basis. Sometimes once a week, and sometimes multiple days in the week. UVA has partnered with the Blue Ridge Cancer Center in Roanoke and some of the treatments are being done there to save on travel. The plan is for her to complete 12 weeks of chemo, then possibly radiation, then surgery to remove the remainder of the tumor. After her surgery, she will undergo an additional 6 months of chemo.We are blessed to live in Floyd County where we have been blown away by the kindness and support of so many loved ones. We have seen the evidence of how God makes a way thru times of trouble, and this gives us hope and strength for the battle. Thanks to all who care so deeply. Your prayers and generosity will never be forgotten.Written by Leigh Ann Zeman

Madison's Journey