"Maddie is miserable:" What is the "mystery illness" affecting this seven-year-old girl?



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- "Maddie is miserable."

The parents of a seven-year-old girl are desperately trying to find a cure for their daughter's "mystery illness."

“She has seen specialists in rhuemetology, immunology, dermatology and infectious disease. We are currently waiting on an appointment with hematology/oncology," Maddie's mother, Erin Hays said.

FOX6's sister station, WTVR in Virginia says Maddie first broke out in what her mother called a "mystery rash" when she was just two years old.

That rash eventually went away -- but the rash came back last fall -- with a vengenace.

The rash has caused painful swelling on Maddie's face. When the swelling gets really bad, Maddie's eyes are forced shut.

“All the doctors and specialist we have seen think whatever is plaguing my daughter is extremely rare and yet no one can figure out what is going on. It is attacking her body, scaring her face and causing lymph nodes to swell. It is making her afraid to be seen in public. She currently cannot attend school," Hays said.

Hays says Maddie's three younger siblings have never shown signs of the illness.

“My family will be more then appreciative for any financial help donated, but more importantly please help us find her the doctors she needs so we can get Maddie better!" Hays said.

The family has established a "GoFundMe" page to raise money to offset the cost of Maddie's medical bills.

They've also set up a "Hope for Maddie" Facebook page for support and awareness.

CLICK HERE for more pictures of Maddie via WTKR.