By admin 
The landscape of downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, served as the backdrop for a significant philanthropic milestone earlier this year as nearly 450 guests convened for the second annual Walk by Faith Gala. Organized by the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation, the event was designed to catalyze community support and generate essential funding for pediatric cancer initiatives. By the conclusion of the evening, organizers confirmed that the gala had surpassed its ambitious financial goals, raising more than $109,000. These funds are earmarked for several non-profit organizations, most notably Camp Norden, a specialized summer program operated under the auspices of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF).
The success of the gala underscores a growing trend in localized, family-led philanthropy that seeks to address the specific psychosocial needs of pediatric patients and their families. While medical research remains a primary focus for many large-scale organizations, the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation emphasizes the importance of the "childhood" aspect of childhood cancer, ensuring that young patients have access to joy, community, and traditional developmental experiences despite their diagnoses.
A Legacy Born of Resilience: The Story of Maddy Nelson
The foundation’s origins are rooted in the life and untimely passing of Maddy Nelson, a young woman whose battle with a rare form of childhood cancer became a rallying point for her community. Maddy was diagnosed during her high school years, a period typically defined by academic milestones and social growth. Instead, her adolescence was marked by intensive medical interventions, including chemotherapy and radiation.
After a grueling initial treatment phase, Maddy reached a state of remission, offering a brief window of hope for her family and peers. However, the reprieve was short-lived. The cancer returned with increased aggression, a common and devastating occurrence in pediatric oncology. Maddy Nelson passed away in May 2016 at the age of 18. Her death occurred just days before her high school graduation, a timing that poignantly highlighted the degree to which cancer robs young individuals of their most anticipated life events.
In the decade following her passing, the Nelson family sought to transform their grief into a sustainable vehicle for public good. The Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation was established not only to keep Maddy’s memory alive but to provide the kind of support systems that the family found vital during their own crisis. The "Walk by Faith" theme of the gala reflects the spiritual and personal fortitude that Maddy exhibited throughout her treatment.
Expanding the Mission: Honoring Faith Nelson
The 2025 iteration of the gala carried an additional layer of emotional significance, as it served to honor the legacy of Maddy’s sister, Faith Nelson. Faith, who passed away in 2023 following a tragic snowmobile accident, was a central figure in the foundation’s early efforts and a vibrant member of the St. Paul community.
Faith Nelson was characterized by her diverse talents and zest for life. A gifted potter and a standout athlete in both volleyball and softball, she embodied a spirit of active engagement. Her love for the outdoors—encompassing hiking, camping, and hunting—mirrored the adventurous spirit that the foundation now seeks to instill in children attending Camp Norden. Faith was known for carrying forward her sister’s legacy through consistent acts of kindness, and the gala now serves as a dual tribute to both sisters, ensuring that their collective impact on the community continues to grow.
Strategic Funding and the Impact on Camp Norden
The $109,000 raised during the Walk by Faith Gala represents a critical influx of capital for its beneficiaries. A significant portion of these proceeds is directed toward Camp Norden, a program that addresses the social isolation often experienced by children undergoing cancer treatment.
Camp Norden provides a traditional summer camp experience tailored to the unique medical and emotional needs of pediatric cancer patients and survivors. In a standard camp setting, children with active diagnoses or physical limitations resulting from treatment may face barriers to participation. Camp Norden removes these obstacles by providing a medically supervised environment where "kids can be kids."
According to Sarah Kier, Associate Director of Community Fundraising at the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Camp Norden, the foundation’s contribution is transformative. "We are deeply grateful for The Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation’s unwavering dedication to children and families facing childhood cancer," Kier stated. "The Walk by Faith Gala is a beautiful tribute to Maddy and Faith, and the generosity it inspires ensures Camp Norden remains a place where kids who have been touched by childhood cancer can simply be kids—with no cost to their families."
The "no cost" aspect is particularly vital. The financial burden of pediatric cancer is often catastrophic for families, with high out-of-pocket medical costs, lost wages for caregivers, and travel expenses. By funding Camp Norden, the gala ensures that therapeutic recreation is an accessible right rather than a luxury.
Supporting the Ecosystem of Care: HopeKids and LifeSource
Beyond Camp Norden, the gala’s proceeds support HopeKids and LifeSource, two organizations that played meaningful roles in the Nelson family’s journey and continue to serve the broader region.
- HopeKids: This organization provides ongoing events, activities, and a powerful support community for families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition. By focusing on the family unit, HopeKids helps prevent the social withdrawal and depression that often accompany long-term pediatric illness.
- LifeSource: As an organization dedicated to organ and tissue donation, LifeSource manages the complex process of saving lives through transplantation. The inclusion of LifeSource as a beneficiary highlights the foundation’s commitment to the full spectrum of life-saving medical interventions and the importance of legacy through donation.
The Broader Context of Pediatric Cancer Philanthropy
The success of the Walk by Faith Gala occurs against a backdrop of significant need in the pediatric oncology sector. Nationally, childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children past infancy. According to data from the American Cancer Society, approximately 15,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.
While survival rates have improved significantly over the last several decades—rising from less than 50% to over 80% for many common types—the long-term effects of treatment remain a concern. Survivors often face "late effects," including secondary cancers, cardiovascular issues, and psychological trauma. Programs like Camp Norden are increasingly recognized by the medical community as essential components of "whole-patient care," helping to mitigate the long-term psychological impact of the disease.
Furthermore, federal funding for cancer research is heavily weighted toward adult cancers. Pediatric cancer research receives only about 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) annual budget. This funding gap places a heavy reliance on private foundations and community-led events like the Walk by Faith Gala to bridge the divide in both research and patient support services.
Community Engagement and Event Highlights
The gala itself featured a blend of somber reflection and celebratory community spirit. The evening included a silent auction, where attendees bid on items ranging from local artwork to vacation packages, contributing to the record-breaking total. The presence of 450 guests in downtown St. Paul signifies a robust network of supporters, including local business owners, healthcare professionals, and families who have navigated similar paths.
The event’s structure—combining storytelling with actionable philanthropy—is a hallmark of successful non-profit fundraising. By sharing the specific stories of Maddy and Faith, the foundation moves beyond abstract statistics, allowing donors to see the tangible human impact of their contributions.
Analysis of Implications and Future Outlook
The trajectory of the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation suggests a sustainable model for grassroots philanthropy. By successfully hosting its second annual gala and exceeding the $100,000 threshold, the foundation has demonstrated organizational maturity and a strong "proof of concept."
The implications of this fundraising success extend beyond the immediate financial gift. It signals to the St. Paul and greater Minnesota community that there is a dedicated infrastructure in place to support families in crisis. For organizations like CCRF, such partnerships are vital for the scalability of programs like Camp Norden.
Looking forward, the foundation is expected to continue its expansion, potentially increasing its advocacy efforts and further integrating the legacies of both Maddy and Faith into its core mission. The "Walk by Faith" brand has become synonymous with resilience in the face of double tragedy, providing a blueprint for how personal loss can be systematically redirected toward the empowerment of others.
The evening in St. Paul was more than a fundraiser; it was a demonstration of communal resolve. As pediatric cancer continues to challenge families across the country, the efforts of the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation ensure that those in the Minnesota region do not have to walk that path alone. Through the continued support of sponsors and donors, the legacy of two sisters continues to provide light, laughter, and hope for children who need it most.
