By admin 
The Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation recently concluded its second annual Walk by Faith Gala in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing efforts to support families affected by pediatric oncology. Attended by nearly 450 guests, the event served as a fundraiser for several critical organizations, most notably Camp Norden, a specialized summer program operated by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. By the end of the evening, organizers confirmed that the gala had raised more than $109,000, surpassing previous internal projections and demonstrating the robust community support for the Nelson family’s mission.
The gala represents the culmination of a decade-long journey for the Nelson family, who have worked to transform personal tragedy into a source of communal hope. The foundation was established in memory of Maddy Nelson, whose battle with a rare form of childhood cancer began during her high school years. Despite achieving temporary remission following an intensive regimen of medical treatments, Maddy experienced a recurrence of the disease. She passed away in May 2016 at the age of 18, only days before she was scheduled to graduate from high school. In the years following her death, the Nelson family sought to honor her spirit by alleviating the burdens faced by other families in similar circumstances.
A Legacy Expanded: Honoring Maddy and Faith Nelson
While the foundation originally focused on Maddy’s legacy, the Walk by Faith Gala—launched in its current format in 2025—now also serves as a tribute to Maddy’s sister, Faith Nelson. Faith passed away in 2023 following a tragic snowmobile accident. Known for her multifaceted talents and vibrant personality, Faith was a gifted potter, a standout athlete in both volleyball and softball, and a dedicated outdoorswoman. Her interests ranged from hiking and camping to hunting, reflecting a deep connection to the Minnesota landscape.
The decision to name the gala "Walk by Faith" carries a dual significance, referencing both the spiritual resilience required to navigate the loss of a child and the specific memory of Faith herself. Friends and family describe Faith as a person who lived with intentionality and carried forward Maddy’s memory through consistent acts of kindness. By integrating Faith’s legacy into the foundation’s primary fundraising event, the Nelson family has created a broader platform for community engagement that addresses the multifaceted nature of grief and the enduring power of sisterly bonds.
Strategic Beneficiaries: Camp Norden and Beyond
The $109,000 raised during the St. Paul event is earmarked for three primary organizations that played pivotal roles in the Nelson family’s life: Camp Norden, HopeKids, and LifeSource. Each of these beneficiaries addresses a different aspect of the challenges associated with life-altering medical diagnoses and the aftermath of loss.
Camp Norden and the Children’s Cancer Research Fund
A significant portion of the gala’s proceeds is directed toward Camp Norden, a program managed by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). Camp Norden is designed specifically for children and teenagers who have been diagnosed with cancer, offering them a traditional summer camp experience tailored to their unique medical and emotional needs.
In the context of pediatric oncology, "normalcy" is often a luxury. Children undergoing treatment frequently miss out on standard developmental milestones and social interactions due to hospital stays and compromised immune systems. Camp Norden provides a medically supervised environment where these children can engage in activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, and campfires without the stigma or limitations often imposed by their illness. The funding provided by the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation ensures that these families can send their children to camp at no cost, removing the financial barriers that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.
HopeKids
HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities, and a support community for families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition. The organization focuses on the "hope" aspect of recovery and management, recognizing that the emotional toll of chronic illness extends to parents and siblings. By funding HopeKids, the gala supports a network that fosters social connections between families who understand the specific stresses of pediatric medical crises.
LifeSource
LifeSource is the federally designated organization responsible for managing organ, eye, and tissue donation in the Upper Midwest. The inclusion of LifeSource as a beneficiary highlights the Nelson family’s commitment to the gift of life and the importance of donation advocacy. This partnership serves as a reminder of the broader impact of the foundation’s work, reaching beyond cancer support to address the critical needs of the transplant community.
Chronology of the Nelson Family’s Philanthropic Evolution
The trajectory of the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation illustrates a disciplined approach to nonprofit growth. The timeline of the organization is marked by several key phases:
- 2013–2016: The Diagnostic Period. Maddy Nelson’s initial diagnosis and treatment phase, which sensitized the family to the gaps in support for adolescent cancer patients.
- May 2016: The Passing of Maddy Nelson. A period of mourning that quickly transitioned into a desire for advocacy.
- 2017–2022: Foundation Establishment. The early years of the foundation were focused on localized fundraising and establishing partnerships with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
- 2023: The Passing of Faith Nelson. A secondary tragedy that reshaped the family’s mission, leading to the conceptualization of a larger, more inclusive memorial event.
- 2024: The Inaugural Walk by Faith Gala. The first large-scale iteration of the gala, which established the event’s presence in the St. Paul philanthropic circuit.
- 2025: The Second Annual Gala. The current milestone, which saw a significant increase in attendance and a record-breaking fundraising total of over $109,000.
Analysis of Fundraising Success and Community Impact
The success of the second annual gala can be attributed to a combination of corporate sponsorship, individual donor commitment, and the compelling narrative of the Nelson sisters. In the nonprofit sector, events that honor the memory of specific individuals often see higher engagement due to the personal connection felt by the donor base. However, maintaining that momentum into a second year requires a clear demonstration of impact.
Sarah Kier, Associate Director of Community Fundraising at the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Camp Norden, emphasized the importance of this sustained commitment. "We are deeply grateful for The Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation’s unwavering dedication to children and families facing childhood cancer," Kier stated. She noted that the generosity inspired by the gala ensures that Camp Norden remains a sanctuary where children can "simply be kids," regardless of their medical status.
From a financial perspective, raising over $109,000 is a substantial achievement for a family-led foundation. These funds are particularly vital given the current landscape of pediatric cancer research and support. According to national data, childhood cancer research receives only a small fraction of federal funding compared to adult cancers. Consequently, private foundations and community-led initiatives like the Walk by Faith Gala are essential for bridging the gap in both research and patient quality-of-life programs.
The Role of St. Paul in Regional Philanthropy
The choice of downtown St. Paul as the venue for the gala underscores the event’s regional significance. Minnesota has long been a hub for medical excellence and philanthropic innovation, housing institutions like the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital and various global healthcare corporations. The high turnout of 450 guests reflects a local culture that prioritizes community-based solutions to healthcare challenges.
The gala featured a range of fundraising activities, including a silent auction and live bidding, which allowed attendees to contribute at various levels. The visual elements of the evening—from rows of set tables to displays of auctioned items—created an atmosphere of formal celebration mixed with somber remembrance. This balance is critical for memorial events, as it allows donors to acknowledge the gravity of the cause while celebrating the progress being made.
Broader Implications for Pediatric Oncology Support
The impact of the Walk by Faith Gala extends beyond the immediate financial contribution to Camp Norden and other beneficiaries. It serves as a model for how families can navigate the complexities of "bereavement philanthropy." By focusing on programs like Camp Norden, the Nelson family is addressing the long-term psychosocial needs of cancer survivors and their families, a field that is increasingly recognized as vital to holistic healthcare.
Furthermore, the event highlights the necessity of "cost-free" support services. The financial toxicity of cancer—a term used by researchers to describe the devastating economic impact of medical bills, travel, and lost wages—can cripple even middle-class families. Programs that are provided at no cost, funded by events like the Walk by Faith Gala, ensure that the "extras" of childhood, such as summer camp, are not sacrificed to the costs of survival.
As the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation looks toward the future, the success of this year’s gala provides a strong foundation for expansion. The organization’s ability to mobilize 450 people and raise six-figure sums suggests a sustainable model for growth. The evening in St. Paul was more than a fundraiser; it was a powerful reminder of the potential for a community to unite with purpose, transforming individual loss into a collective movement for the benefit of others. Through the continued support of donors and the dedication of the Nelson family, the legacies of Maddy and Faith will continue to provide light and opportunity for children facing their darkest hours.
