SCHAUMBURG, IL – A suburban community is coming together to support the family of a 14-year-old girl who passed away suddenly this week after suffering a medical emergency.
Madlin “Cookie” Cerny, a freshman at Schaumburg High School, died on Monday after suffering a brain aneurysm on Friday and subsequently falling into a coma.
A Historic Trailblazer On The Field
Cookie had already made history in her freshman year by becoming the first girl ever to make the Schaumburg High School baseball team. Known for her immense dedication, she had played on various boys’ baseball teams traveling from California to Costa Rica.
Her former coach, Joseph Pascente, described her as “driven” and “molded differently,” noting that Cookie was always the team’s go-to pitcher when they needed someone to throw strikes. Coach Pascente added that she routinely arrived at the field at least an hour before game time to prepare.
Teammates and Family Honor Her Legacy
Community members, teammates, and family gathered Thursday evening to remember her impact. Her father, James Cerny, shared that Cookie “led by example” and constantly pushed the boys on the team to be better.
During their game against Bartlett on Thursday, the team honored her memory through several tributes:
- Jersey Number: Players wore her number, 2, on their hats and shirts.
- Field Banner: A banner reading “Forever a Saxon” was hung prominently on the baseball field’s fence.
- Game Dedication: Teammates stated they wanted to play the game entirely to honor her spirit and work ethic.
Unwavering Community Support
Cookie’s mother, Bo Cerny, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, stating, “She made me to be a better person.”
Parents of fellow teammates highlighted that Cookie lived and breathed baseball, leaving an undeniable mark on the entire Schaumburg community through her 100% effort during every single practice and game.
