For Madison Teal, resilience has been a constant theme throughout her life. Born in Florence on January 25, 1997, she entered the world with kidney dysplasia, a condition where the kidneys fail to develop normally in the womb. Within days, she was in intensive care and later transferred to MUSC in Charleston, where doctors placed her on dialysis and began preparing her for a transplant. At just 15 months old, Madi received her first kidney transplant. 

Doctors once warned her parents she might not survive, and if she did, she could face serious complications. Having graduated from the NETC nursing program, Madi defied those odds. Today, she is a nurse, working in pediatrics and in a hospital when her health allows.  

“I always knew I wanted to be a nurse,” Madi said. “Even as a child, I played nurse with a toy stethoscope. My experiences showed me the power of kindness and how much nurses can impact someone’s life. That made me want to be that person for someone else.” 

Her path was not without setbacks. In 2024, shortly after graduating from nursing school and passing her licensing exam, Madi’s transplanted kidney began to decline. What should have been a time of celebration with graduation, passing exams, starting a new job, and getting engaged quickly shifted into a battle for her health once again. 

“It felt like my whole world turned overnight,” she said. “I had just landed my dream job and got engaged, but then my health took a turn.” 

Madi now undergoes dialysis four times a week, four hours each session. Thanks to her mother, who trained to perform treatments at home, she has been able to keep a semi-normal routine and continue working part-time. Still, dialysis has dramatically reshaped her daily life. 

A living donor transplant would mean freedom from dialysis and a chance to live more fully. “Living transplants usually last longer and begin working right after surgery,” Madi explained. “It would give me the chance to be healthy and thriving again.” 

Finding a donor, however, has proven difficult. Several people have been tested but were not compatible. Her father, Wesley Teal, was ruled out due to kidney function. A nursing school classmate, Julianna Laney, was disqualified because of a family medical history. 

Madi credits her fiancé, CJ Crowley, her parents, and close friends with being her constant support system. “I haven’t gone through any of this alone,” she said. “They sit with me during treatments, make me laugh on the hard days, and keep me positive.” 

CJ, who is also graduated from NETC this year in the Machine Tool and Die program, said supporting Madi has also inspired him. “Watching her push through school and work while living with kidney disease motivated me to keep going,” he said. “She’s the most empathetic person, always thanking us even when she’s the one enduring so much.” 

For CJ, a new kidney for Madi would mean more than restored health. “It would give her the chance to enjoy life without restrictions. She loves roller coasters, but now she has to sit on the sidelines. Seeing her able to do the things she loves again would mean everything.” 

Madi remains hopeful and focused on each day as it comes. “I try to stay positive, lean on my support system, and focus on the small joys,” she said. “I want people to remember that just because someone looks healthy on the outside does not mean they are not fighting something on the inside. Always be kind.” 

She encourages anyone considering becoming a living kidney donor to learn about the process, ask questions, and talk with a transplant team. “It is not a decision to take lightly,” Madi said. “But it is also not something you go through alone. There is a whole team to guide and support you.” 

Madi has shared her story on Facebook, including a link to the Charleston transplant center’s questionnaire for potential donors. She hopes that through awareness and community support, the right match will come. 

“It would be life-changing,” she said. “Not just for me, but for everyone who loves me.” 

The Northeastern Technical College (NETC) Trailblazers golf team opened their fall season at the 2025 Stitch Golf Flyers Fall Intercollegiate Golf Tournament, held September 15 and 16. The two-day event featured eight colleges and universities competing on a course that, despite losing its water source to a July tropical storm, was in excellent condition with “perfect” greens.

For four of NETC’s five golfers, the tournament marked their first collegiate competition. Evan Cox led the Trailblazers with rounds of 88 and 90. Close behind was Landon Hardy, who posted scores of 92 and 88. Rodney Atkinson recorded rounds of 90 and 93, finishing 44th overall. Rounding out the team, Drake Morris shot 94 and 100, while Cody Watkins posted rounds of 105 and 109.

“I’m proud of each and every one of our players,” said Roger Mack, PGA Head Coach of the Trailblazers golf team. “They hung in there and didn’t quit, even though they weren’t playing their best.”

Freshman students in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program are diving into the world of patient care by studying the gastrointestinal system and practicing essential nursing skills.

As part of their coursework, students are learning how to provide nutrition through a feeding tube and how to perform colostomy care. These skills are critical for nurses, as they ensure patients receive proper nutrition and maintain dignity and comfort in their care.

The hands-on training gives students the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world practice. By working directly with these procedures, they are building confidence, developing critical thinking, and preparing for the responsibilities they will face in clinical settings.

The ADN program continues to emphasize the importance of combining technical skill with compassionate care, ensuring that future nurses are equipped to meet the needs of their patients.

Student Pictured Above: Jaylynn Curry

Student Pictured Above: Tammie Holliday

Student Pictured Above: Wendy Joseph

A huge shoutout to the Technology Team from Marlboro County Schools and the NETC IT Team for their outstanding efforts in moving and setting up technology at the Marlboro County Campus, which is utilized by both NETC and MCSD students.

Thanks to their combined expertise, dedication, and teamwork, the transition to the new campus was seamless. Students can now step into a learning environment that is fully equipped, connected, and ready for innovation.

We are grateful for this partnership and for the Technology Teams’ commitment to keeping our schools running smoothly and preparing students for a bright future.

Open Enrollment is here! While the official dates are October 1–31, employees can begin making coverage changes today for the upcoming year.

Any updates made during this period will take effect on January 1, 2026.

To ensure everything is in order, employees are encouraged to log into their MyBenefits account at mybenefits.sc.gov to:

• Verify that all personal information (address, phone numbers, email, etc.) is accurate and current.
• Make any necessary coverage changes for next year.
• Review existing coverage.
• Update life insurance beneficiaries.
• Provide up-to-date contact information for beneficiaries.

If employees are satisfied with their current choices, the only step needed is to re-enroll in the MoneyPlus flexible spending account if they participate.

Dental changes can only be made during odd years. This means 2025 is a dental year!

The NETC Trailblazers Men’s Golf Team is swinging into action as they prepare for a historic day on the course!

On Monday, September 29, the Trailblazers will host their first collegiate golf tournament, the Trailblazer NJCAA Golf Tournament, at White Plains Golf Club in Pageland, SC.

This 36-hole event will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and welcome teams from:



• Columbia College
• Sandhills Community College
• Southwest Virginia
• Cleveland State
• USC Sumter
• USC Union
• and your hometown Trailblazers, NETC

Come cheer on the Trailblazers as they take on the competition and showcase their talent right here at home

Our Culinary Arts students put their skills to the test this week by serving up a delicious lunch for classmates, faculty, and staff. The menu featured hearty Vegetable Soup with Beef, savory Sausage White Bean & Kale Soup, perfectly toasted Grilled Cheese, warm Garlic Bread, fresh Salad, and a sweet finish of Chewy Brownies with Strawberries. It was a wonderful way to showcase their talents while bringing the campus community together around the table!