Scene Around: Remembering Rumson’s Maddy Massabni with Purpose

Maddy Massabni’s grave
Photo/Dawn Tilton Massabni

The Rumson sign says it all. It tells the singular purpose that was borne out of immense tragedy.

In bright red, the sign at the corner of River Road and Bingham Avenue flashed today, March 30, the day six years ago that 19-year-old Maddy Massabni died of menstrual toxic shock syndrome, “The Borough Recognizes March 30th as Menstrual Toxic Shock Awareness Day.”

It’s a day to look back. A day to forge forward. A sign of the time for Maddy’s memory to save lives. Educate “so others may live,” the sign adds. That’s the mission of Don’t Shock Me, the foundation created in Maddy’s memory by her mother Dawn Tilton Massabni and brother George.

“At 4:55 p.m. six years ago today forever changed our lives & they will never be the same,” Dawn said in a social media post for the foundation. “My son & I lost the most amazing beautiful person in the world, our very best friend & the person we love more than anything with all our hearts as she became an angel. Maddy was exactly what life should be. She was genuine, smart, creative, kind, caring, spirited, funny, pure sunshine, and beautiful in every single way … My sweet beautiful daughter please send your sunshine & love down to us in your magical ways.
Please continue to look over everyone you love & care about so that they may feel your presence.”

And the caring nature that emanated from Maddy continues with the foundation in its mission to educate, raise awareness and save lives.

Many remember. More learn. The sign marks the day, the remembrance, the purpose.

For more information about Don’t Shock Me, click here.