32-year-old doctor dies of stroke days before completing residency in Fresno

Dr. Maddie Giegold's adventurous life was cut short suddenly, just five days before completing her residency. The 32-year-old spent the past few years as Chief Resident at Community Regional Medical Center through its partnership with UCSF Fresno. Through their grief, Maddie's family and friends filled the hallways of CRMC Sunday for an honor walk celebrating her final act of service with a mountain of sunflowers.

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[dao]

She seems like she was exactly the kind of doctor we would all like to have. Condolences to her loved ones.

[sophfro]

I got to call her a friend and colleague. She was a badass doc and incredibly kind. It still feels unreal that she is gone and we aren't going to be able to enjoy her sweet smile anymore. The last text message I had from her was her checking in when my dog died. She would have gone on to save many, many lives. It is heartbreaking.

[mauricedorreboom]

The amount of people showing respect, is a clear sign that this woman was good people.

[grubbp]

This hits hard. My 37 year old wife named Maddy had a stroke this year. She’s as healthy as they come and a special ed teacher. The doctors said there’s absolutely nothing she could have done to prevent it. They also mentioned that young people are having more strokes.

[JP-sfer]

A stroke at 32? Becoming all too common. Rest in peace, angel.

[brucetidwell]

She didn't complete her residency, but she completed her life, and left behind memories and inspiration in hundreds of people. Some people live 80 years and never accomplish that.

[melodylopez]

How sad 😔 She seemed to have a knack for making people smile or laugh. 🙏🙏🙏

[amandacollins]

I also had a stroke at 32 years old. It was so close to causing me to be paralyzed on my left side for life. I am so sorry for the family and friends of this young woman.

[burpburp]

I'm an RN, and we are seeing A LOT more younger stroke patients (35 years old and younger). This is scary and makes one wonder. Rest in peace doctor.

[ralphdrees]

For those that don’t know what an honor walk is, it’s when doctors, nurses, hospital staff, families and friends line the hallways to honor a person who has suffered brain death and their last act on the planet is to save others through donating their organs. Absolutely heroic on her part, in life and in death.

[sandrakisch]

Many young doctors are passing. So heartbreaking. RIP.

[barbarabarzilay]

Do I dare ask the question? May she rest in peace 🙏

[Susan-lfhl]

These are the kind of folks who spread sunshine everywhere. Their loss is especially hard. RIP Doc.

[loubock]

She is what we want for a doctor, she was kind, and cared for others. SHE donated her organs, her last gesture to others on earth. RIP doc gone way too soon.

[marlenegerdts]

The honor walk was absolutely impressive. Shows that loss of this young doctor impacted many people.

[jbahnman]

So very heart wrenching. Deepest sympathy to family and friends suffering this tragic loss.

[donettahuggins]

An active YOUNG ADULT having a stroke is madness!!! Just seeing a few clips of her she was so full of life and energy! Tear jerker! Prayers to all knew her personally… 🌻🌻🌻

[imogenoliver]

That’s the kind of doctor this world needs. Rest in peace and may you inspire many more up and coming doctors to take on your humanity.

[Mikerafone-ojzg]

32 year old doctor omg she had her whole life ahead of her and she accomplished so much

[MrTSK]

Eternal she rest in peace...Life is not fair.