By admin 
The second annual Walk by Faith Gala, hosted by the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation, recently convened nearly 450 guests in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing efforts to support pediatric oncology initiatives. The high-profile event successfully raised more than $109,000, with proceeds earmarked for critical programs including Camp Norden, a specialized summer camp operated by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). By exceeding its previous fundraising benchmarks, the foundation has solidified its role as a key contributor to the local philanthropic landscape, transforming a narrative of personal tragedy into a sustainable engine for community support and medical advocacy.
The gala serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation, an organization established to honor the life and resilience of Maddy Nelson. Maddy’s journey began with a diagnosis of a rare form of childhood cancer during her high school years, a period typically defined by academic milestones and social development. Despite undergoing an intensive regimen of clinical treatments and successfully reaching a period of remission, the disease eventually returned with increased aggression. Maddy Nelson passed away in May 2016 at the age of 18, only days before she was scheduled to participate in her high school graduation ceremony. In the decade following her passing, the Nelson family has dedicated themselves to ensuring that her legacy facilitates better outcomes for other families navigating similar medical crises.
A Dual Legacy: Honoring Maddy and Faith Nelson
While the foundation was originally established in Maddy’s memory, the Walk by Faith Gala, which saw its inaugural launch in 2025, also serves as a profound tribute to Maddy’s sister, Faith Nelson. Faith passed away in 2023 following a tragic snowmobile accident, leaving behind a legacy defined by athletic achievement, artistic talent, and a deep connection to the natural world. Faith was recognized within her community as a gifted potter and a standout multi-sport athlete, particularly in volleyball and softball. Beyond her competitive pursuits, she was an avid outdoorswoman who frequently engaged in hiking, camping, and hunting.
The gala’s title, "Walk by Faith," serves a dual purpose: it references the spiritual and emotional endurance required by families facing life-altering diagnoses, while specifically memorializing Faith’s vibrant spirit and her commitment to carrying forward her sister’s memory through acts of service. The integration of both sisters’ legacies into the foundation’s mission has resonated deeply with the St. Paul community, as evidenced by the significant attendance and the scale of the donations recorded during the evening’s proceedings.
Financial Impact and Strategic Beneficiaries
The $109,000 raised during the event represents a substantial influx of capital for the foundation’s primary beneficiaries. The allocation of these funds is strategically directed toward organizations that provided support to the Nelson family during their own periods of crisis, creating a "pay-it-forward" model of philanthropy.
Camp Norden and the Children’s Cancer Research Fund
A significant portion of the gala’s proceeds is dedicated to Camp Norden. Managed by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Camp Norden provides a unique environment where children diagnosed with cancer can engage in traditional summer camp activities alongside peers who understand the complexities of the disease. The program is designed to alleviate the social isolation often experienced by pediatric patients, offering them a space to regain a sense of normalcy. Importantly, the funding provided by the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation ensures that these experiences are provided at no cost to the families, removing financial barriers during a time when medical expenses are often at their peak.
HopeKids and LifeSource
In addition to Camp Norden, the gala supports HopeKids and LifeSource. HopeKids provides a recurring schedule of events and a powerful support community for families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition. By focusing on the mental and emotional well-being of the entire family unit, HopeKids addresses the collateral psychological impact of chronic illness.
LifeSource, another beneficiary, focuses on organ, eye, and tissue donation. The inclusion of LifeSource as a beneficiary highlights the Nelson family’s commitment to the full spectrum of life-saving interventions and the importance of donor awareness. The support for these diverse organizations reflects a comprehensive approach to advocacy, addressing immediate recreational needs, long-term family support, and the broader medical infrastructure.
Analysis of the Pediatric Cancer Landscape
The success of the Walk by Faith Gala comes at a time when community-driven fundraising is becoming increasingly vital for pediatric cancer research. According to national health data, childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. Despite this, pediatric cancer research often receives a disproportionately small fraction of federal funding compared to adult cancers.
Foundations like the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation fill a critical gap in this funding ecosystem. By raising six-figure sums through local events, these organizations provide the "seed money" necessary for innovative research projects and quality-of-life programs that larger institutional budgets might overlook. The $109,000 raised in St. Paul is not merely a symbolic gesture; in the context of a program like Camp Norden, it translates directly into the number of campers served, the quality of medical supervision available on-site, and the expansion of programming to reach more families in the Midwest region.
Official Perspectives on Community Engagement
Sarah Kier, Associate Director of Community Fundraising at the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Camp Norden, emphasized the importance of the foundation’s contribution. In a statement following the event, Kier noted the profound impact of the Nelson family’s dedication.
"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."
Kier’s remarks underscore a growing trend in the non-profit sector where "memorial-based" giving creates a sustainable bond between donors and the cause. The emotional connection to the Nelson sisters’ story serves as a catalyst for donor retention, as attendees are not just donating to a faceless entity, but are participating in the preservation of a local legacy.
Chronology of the Foundation’s Growth
The trajectory of the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation illustrates a decade-long evolution from private mourning to public service:
- May 2016: Maddy Nelson passes away at age 18. The immediate aftermath sees the community rally around the Nelson family, sparking the initial idea for a memorial fund.
- 2016–2022: The foundation establishes its roots, focusing on smaller-scale community initiatives and contributing to cancer research funds in Maddy’s name.
- 2023: The passing of Faith Nelson. This tragedy leads to a restructuring of the foundation’s outreach efforts to include Faith’s interests and personality.
- 2025: The inaugural Walk by Faith Gala is launched. The event is designed to be the foundation’s flagship fundraiser, combining the legacies of both sisters.
- 2026 (Earlier this year): The second annual gala is held in St. Paul. The event sees a significant increase in attendance (450 guests) and breaks the $109,000 fundraising mark.
Broader Implications for the St. Paul Community
The Walk by Faith Gala has emerged as more than a fundraiser; it has become a significant social and civic event for downtown St. Paul. The gathering of nearly 450 guests, including local business leaders, medical professionals, and affected families, fosters a network of support that extends beyond the one-night event.
From a journalistic perspective, the event demonstrates the power of "hyper-local" philanthropy. While national organizations handle large-scale clinical trials, local foundations are often more effective at addressing the immediate, lived experiences of patients. The ability of the Nelson family to mobilize such a large group of people speaks to a regional commitment to communal care.
Furthermore, the involvement of sponsors and donors in this year’s gala suggests a robust corporate social responsibility (CSR) interest in pediatric health within the Twin Cities. The funds raised will likely have a multiplier effect, as the supported organizations use the capital to leverage further grants and expand their operational capacity.
Conclusion: A Community United by Purpose
The evening in downtown St. Paul was characterized by a blend of solemn remembrance and optimistic action. As attendees viewed auctioned items and listened to presentations regarding the progress of Camp Norden and other beneficiaries, the atmosphere was one of collective purpose. The Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation has successfully navigated the difficult path of transforming personal loss into a public good.
As the foundation looks toward its third annual gala, the focus remains on scaling its impact. With over $109,000 raised in a single evening, the organization has set a high standard for what can be achieved when a community aligns its resources with a clear, heartfelt mission. The legacies of Maddy and Faith Nelson continue to resonate, providing hope and tangible support to children who are currently fighting the same battles Maddy fought, and ensuring that the "Walk by Faith" continues for years to come.
