Madyson Marcolina Kelley: Finley Fort Foundation Scholar and Ambassador
For pet owners, leaving our pet at the hospital can be excruciatingly difficult. The amount of worry and anxiety we feel can be debilitating. We constantly think about how they’re doing, how they’re feeling, and if they are cared for.
I remember the times we had to leave Finley at the hospital; we would call a few times a day and even ask for photos of him just to see how he is doing. And with the risk that it could be the last time we’ll see him, each night we pray for all the angels to keep him safe, until we get to bring him home.
“Fortunately, angels do exist; Madyson is one of them. ”
Madyson Marcolina Kelley is the recipient of the $1500 scholarship award from the Finley Fort Foundation (FFF) for her outstanding service to the veterinary practice and the Hawai’i pet care community. She was unanimously voted as the Finley Fort ambassador by the FFF Board of Directors.
Madyson was nominated for scholarship by Dr. Nathaniel Lam who recognized Madyson’s potential when she worked as a veterinary technician as a member of his team. Dr. Lam wanted to help her achieve her dreams of becoming a veterinary surgeon so she may continue to help the pet care community in Hawai’i.
We were able to catch up with Madyson as she prepares to pursue her dream, and below is her message.
What is your message to the Finley Fort Foundation ‘Ohana?
My message to the Finely Fort Foundation ‘ohana is that Finley made an impact in each life he encountered. I had the privilege of working with Finley and contributing to his extensive medical care. It is an honor to have cared for him and many other patients with severe medical conditions. His strength, determination, and love for life will never be forgotten. He genuinely touched each one of our hearts and will live on forever as a guardian angel. Cases such as Finley's have inspired me to continue my education in veterinary medicine and to one day return to the islands of Hawai'i as a specialized veterinary surgeon.
As a Finley Fort Foundation ambassador, how do you plan to promote and advocate the organization's goals?
As an ambassador, on my return from veterinary school, I plan to spread awareness for diseases such as IVDD, Cushing’s and other critical cases as a board-certified surgeon. I am dedicated to giving back to the community by teaching them how to care for their pets with similar illnesses. With the support from the Finley Fort Foundation, I will be able to expand my contribution in the veterinary field by providing advanced medicine and treatments in the animal hospitals of Hawai'i.
The Finley Fort Foundation is truly impressed by Madyson’s credential and dedication to the Veterinary practice. We are grateful for her service to our community and wishes her the best as she furthers her career as a future Veterinarian.
The Need for Better Veterinary Care Services in Hawai’i
Having experienced it firsthand, the state of pet care in Hawai’i is grim. There is a shortage of veterinary care professionals and certified specialists on the island leading to many pets, with dire conditions, not receiving the proper care that they need. This situation is also compounded by the high cost of veterinary education and low salary in Hawai’i.
By providing scholarships to aspiring veterinarians and specialists like Madyson, we hope to provide small financial assistance to fill in the small gaps towards their big dreams.
Thank you, Madyson, for being an angel to our pets and their loving families.
Madyson graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in May 2020. She is currently working at VCA Family and Oahu’s Specialty Center as a Specialty Surgery Assistant and will be moving back to her home state of Colorado to pursue Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University.
While at the University of Hawaii, she was an active member of the UH Pre-Veterinary Club (PVC). She actively volunteered at different animal health research and services facilities and institutes including the Anuenue Fisheries Sea Urchin Hatcher, Joey’s Feline Friends (JFF), Therapeutic Horse Ranch(THH), and VCA Family Specialty Surgery among others.