Dear Henry

You remember how your friend Sara Albert was on the show America's Next Top Model, well here is another Fanconi connection for the show. I said that Madeline Finnegan was the prettiest Fanconi patient ever. Now she'll be even more beautiful.

'ANTM' Judge Makes Dreams Come True

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Though it may seem as if he's capable of crushing a model's aspirations on TV, Nigel Barker is actually out to fulfill wishes – for one lucky 13-year-old girl, that is.  The America's Next Top Model judge has worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help out teenager Madeline Finnegan, who has held on to dreams of becoming a famous fashion model for some time.

Finnegan, who hails from the town of Huntsville, Alabama, was flown to New York recently to get the full top model treatment, from the hair to the make-up and of course, the wardrobe.  Afterwards, she accomplished her goal of being photographed by one of the industry's best – Nigel Barker.  She came home with a portfolio compiled by the America's Next Top Model personality, which she truly delighted in.

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When interviewed, Madeleine couldn't contain her excitement.  “It's pretty cool," she exclaimed.  “I'm not really nervous now, but I'm sure when the day comes I will be.”

This eighth-grader from Hampton Cove Middle School was fortunate enough to have her mother, Nancy Finnegan, write to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Apparently, Madeline and her older brother Blaise both have a rare blood disorder known as Fanconi anemia.  It could cause bone marrow failure, and often leads to leukemia.  While their health is stable for now, they might still need bone marrow transplants in the future.

Last summer, their mother decided to do something extraordinary and make Madeline's dream a reality.  Eventually, it paid off and the whole family was invited to stay in New York for four days to see how Madeline works it in front of the America's Next Top Model judge.  But in the end, it was all about having fun.

“My friends are so excited.  They've been asking me to take tons of pictures, which I will,” she said.

America's Next Top Model is set to air its 12th season later this month on the CW.  The 13 contestants have been revealed, with Tyra Banks, J. Alexander, Paulina Porizkova and Nigel Barker returning as judges.


-Maria Gonzalez, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: CW, The Huntsville Times
(Image Courtesy of the CW)