Nails go purple for Valentine

Madison Valentine, a pre-kindergartner at Holy Family Catholic School in Coeur d’Alene, loves purple – and the whole school knows it.

Earlier this year, Valentine started showing symptoms of Cushing’s disease, a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Numerous doctor visits and an MRI would later confirm that she had a tumor growing on her liver.

Once energetic, Madison was unable to play. She began to gain weight and lost her energy making it difficult for her to sit, stand or walk. School became unbearable and her classmates and friends missed her. Every morning they prayed for their friend.

In late May, she had a very large tumor removed during an 11-½ hour surgery. More than half of her liver also was removed.

During her hospital stay, Madison’s family and friends have been painting the little girl’s toes her favorite color, bright purple. On the day of her surgery, the teachers, staff and students – even the boys, painted their nails bright purple to honor Valentine and share their “Get Well” wishes.

School meals will continue

The Coeur d’Alene School District will keep kids in need fed during summer vacation. The district will ensure that students who rely on school meals will receive breakfast and lunch, as part of the federal summer meals program.

Meals will be served Monday through Friday, beginning Thursday and running through Aug. 13. Meals will not be served on July 5. Breakfast is served from 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Locations are Bryan Elementary School, Fernan Elementary School, Hayden Kinder Center and Ramsey Elementary School.

Meals are free for ages 1 through 18. Adults may purchase breakfast for $1 and lunch for $2.

For more information, call (208) 667-7469.