Basically, I’m allergic to the world. Anything can trigger a bout of sickness.
-- Narrator (SCID Row)

Importance: Because she has SCID, Madeline has to live in an atmosphere where she is protected from anything that might trigger an illness.

I guess if you’re going to be born with an illness that requires constant care, then it’s good to have your mom as your doctor.
-- Narrator (Brthdae Uish)

Importance: Although Madeline at first believes that she is lucky to have her mother as her doctor, she later learns how ironic her words are. When Madeline is sent the letter by the doctor in Hawaii she realizes that her mother diagnosed her with a disease that she never had.

Olly’s rejection has made me feel like a little girl again. It reminded me why I stopped paying attention to the world before.
-- Narrator (Survival)

Importance: When Madeline believes that Olly has rejected her she feels pain just like when...