Madison Hope Sawrie-Saquicela (Maddi) was called home on Thursday, January 15, 2026. She passed away at UK Children’s Hospital after bravely fighting complications surrounding complex medical issues associated with her Trisomy 18 diagnosis. Madison was born on April 20, 2018, and at just 7 years old, she touched more lives than many do in a lifetime.
Madison was sassy, witty, and had the most infectious smile. She loved listening to music, especially her favorite singer, Benson Boone, and her favorite song, “Mystical Magical.”Beating all odds, Madison was a fighter—a true Trisomy 18 warrior. Though she was non-verbal, Madison loved to communicate, using sign language and her eye gaze device to connect with those around her. She was well known for giving the most spectacular “Bombastic Side Eyes!”
Madison accomplished more in her life than anyone ever expected. Achieving many milestones at Marshall Pediatric Therapy, her second home. All her therapists who loved her so, she considered her “Besties.” Her life was full of fun and adventure, enjoying Hippotherapy on horseback and splashing around like a fish in aquatic therapy! Just last summer, she was granted her Make-A-Wish dream of swimming with dolphins at Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, Florida. She was also part of multiple social media groups (Kentucky T18 & Edwards Syndrome Association) and had the joy of attending Center for Courageous Kids for children with Trisomy 13 and 18 in 2025. Made possible through the “Stella Effect.”
Madison’s favorite color was orange, even though her mom tried (unsuccessfully) to make her love hot pink. She absolutely loved Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and brought that same larger-than-life energy into every room. Madison left an impact on everyone she touched and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Madison is survived by her father, Roger Saquicela (Chelsea McGuire), of Lexington, Kentucky, and her mother, Jackie Sawrie, also of Lexington, Kentucky. Madison is lovingly remembered by her three siblings: Mia Sawrie-Saquicela, Angie Saquicela, and Steven Saquicela, all of Lexington, Kentucky. Madison also had two stepsiblings, Madison and Hannah Walton. She is also survived by her grandparents, Jim and Jane Ann Sawrie of Lexington, Kentucky, and Rafael and Luz Saquicela of Ecuador. She leaves behind her aunts, Jamie Mobley, and Jessica Adkins, of Lexington, Kentucky, and her uncles, Boris and Paco Saquicela.
Services will be on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 1 pm at Southland Christian Church, located at 5001 Harrodsburg Road, Nicholasville, KY 40356. officiated by Rev. Parker Sherwood. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Burial will follow in the Lexington Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dalton Adkins, Travis Mobley, Roger Saquicela, and Steven Saquicela. Honorary pallbearers Rafel Saquicela, Boris Saquicela, Paco Saquicela, Eric Highley, Robin Flannery, & Madison’s therapist from Marshalls Pediatric Therapy.
Davis & Powell Funeral Directors entrusted with arrangements. www.davisandpowellfuneralhome.com
