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The second annual Walk by Faith Gala, hosted by the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation, concluded its most successful fundraising effort to date, drawing nearly 450 supporters to downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. The event, which serves as a cornerstone for local philanthropic efforts targeting pediatric health, successfully raised over $109,000 to benefit several non-profit organizations, most notably Camp Norden, a specialized summer camp program operated under the auspices of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). This year’s financial milestone represents a significant increase in community engagement and donor contributions, highlighting a growing regional commitment to supporting families navigating the complexities of childhood cancer and other life-altering medical challenges.
The gala serves a dual purpose: it acts as a critical revenue stream for pediatric support services and functions as a living memorial to the Nelson sisters, Maddy and Faith, whose legacies continue to shape the foundation’s mission. By transforming personal tragedy into a structured platform for advocacy and financial aid, the Nelson family has created a sustainable model for community-based philanthropy that addresses the immediate social and emotional needs of families in the Upper Midwest.
A Legacy of Resilience: The Chronology of the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation
The origins of the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation are rooted in the lived experience of Maddy Nelson, a young woman whose battle with a rare form of childhood cancer began during her high school years. Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States, and Maddy’s diagnosis placed her among the thousands of adolescents who face intensive medical interventions during pivotal developmental years. Following a rigorous course of treatment, Maddy achieved remission, offering a brief period of hope for her family and community. However, the subsequent return of the disease underscored the aggressive nature of rare pediatric malignancies.
Maddy Nelson passed away in May 2016 at the age of 18, a loss that occurred just days before her high school graduation. In the decade following her death, the Nelson family sought to honor her memory by establishing a foundation dedicated to easing the burdens of other families in similar circumstances. The foundation’s efforts were further galvanized by the loss of Maddy’s sister, Faith Nelson, in 2023. Faith, a multi-talented individual known for her skills in pottery, her athletic achievements in volleyball and softball, and her passion for the outdoors, died following a snowmobile accident.
The "Walk by Faith" Gala, launched in 2025, was named to honor Faith’s vibrant life and her dedication to carrying forward Maddy’s memory through acts of kindness. The event integrates the distinct spirits of both sisters, focusing on themes of community, outdoor appreciation, and unwavering support for those in crisis. The transition from a private memorial to a high-impact public gala reflects a broader trend in the non-profit sector where family-led foundations leverage personal narratives to drive systemic support for medical research and patient care.
Financial Milestones and Resource Allocation
The $109,000 raised during this year’s gala is slated for distribution among three primary organizations: Camp Norden, HopeKids, and LifeSource. Each of these entities played a role in supporting the Nelson family during their periods of crisis and continues to provide essential services to the broader Minnesota community.
Camp Norden and the Children’s Cancer Research Fund
The primary beneficiary, Camp Norden, is a program designed specifically for children who have been touched by cancer. Unlike traditional summer camps, Camp Norden integrates medical safety with recreational activities, allowing children to engage in social experiences that their diagnoses might otherwise prohibit. The funds from the gala ensure that these programs remain free of charge for participating families, removing financial barriers to essential peer-support and psychological wellness.
HopeKids
HopeKids provides a program of ongoing events, activities, and a powerful support community for families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition. By focusing on the entire family unit, HopeKids addresses the isolation and stress often associated with long-term pediatric treatment.
LifeSource
LifeSource is the federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) for the Upper Midwest. The inclusion of LifeSource as a beneficiary honors Faith Nelson’s legacy and highlights the critical importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) indicates that over 100,000 people are currently on the national transplant waiting list, and community-driven awareness campaigns like the Walk by Faith Gala are instrumental in increasing donor registrations.
Supporting Data: The Impact of Pediatric Cancer Funding
The success of the Walk by Faith Gala comes at a time when funding for pediatric cancer research and support services faces significant challenges. While survival rates for some forms of childhood cancer have improved, certain rare types remain difficult to treat, and the long-term side effects of treatment can be profound.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), pediatric cancers make up less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed each year, yet the impact on years of life lost is disproportionately high. Furthermore, federal funding for pediatric cancer research is often a fraction of the budget allocated to adult cancers. This gap necessitates the involvement of private foundations and community fundraising events. The $109,000 raised in St. Paul contributes to a vital ecosystem of "bridge funding" that supports quality-of-life programs like Camp Norden, which are rarely covered by traditional research grants or medical insurance.
Analysis of the gala’s fundraising data suggests a high level of donor retention and a diversification of the donor base, including corporate sponsors and individual contributors from across the Twin Cities metropolitan area. This suggests that the foundation’s message of "walking by faith" resonates with a broad demographic, transcending the immediate social circle of the Nelson family.
Official Responses and Community Perspectives
Leaders within the philanthropic and medical communities have expressed profound gratitude for the foundation’s efforts. Sarah Kier, Associate Director of Community Fundraising at the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Camp Norden, emphasized the importance of such events in maintaining the accessibility of their programs.
"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 statement reflects a core tenet of the CCRF’s mission: the belief that the "healing" process involves more than just clinical intervention. By providing a space where children can interact with peers who understand their struggles, Camp Norden addresses the "social toxicity" of cancer—the loneliness and developmental delays that often accompany prolonged hospitalizations.
Attendees of the gala also noted the powerful atmosphere of the event. Beyond the silent auctions and formal presentations, the evening served as a venue for collective grieving and communal strength. The presence of nearly 450 guests in a downtown St. Paul venue underscores the city’s reputation as a hub for charitable giving and community activism.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The success of the second annual Walk by Faith Gala has implications that extend beyond the immediate financial totals. It demonstrates the viability of memorial foundations as catalysts for regional health improvements. By focusing on organizations like LifeSource and HopeKids alongside cancer-specific research funds, the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation is fostering a holistic approach to community health.
Furthermore, the event highlights the growing importance of the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) oncology demographic. Maddy Nelson’s diagnosis at age 18 placed her in a category of patients who often fall between the cracks of pediatric and adult care. Foundations that share these personal stories help to raise awareness about the unique medical and psychological needs of this age group, potentially influencing future healthcare policy and resource allocation.
As the foundation looks toward its third year, the momentum generated by the $109,000 milestone provides a stable foundation for growth. The Nelson family’s ability to transform personal loss into a community-wide mission of hope serves as a case study in effective philanthropic leadership. The Walk by Faith Gala has established itself not merely as a fundraising event, but as a vital community institution that honors the past while actively investing in the future of pediatric health in Minnesota.
In conclusion, the intersection of community support, corporate sponsorship, and dedicated volunteerism in St. Paul has resulted in a significant contribution to the welfare of children and families. The funds raised will directly impact the lives of those attending Camp Norden and utilizing the services of HopeKids and LifeSource, ensuring that the legacies of Maddy and Faith Nelson continue to provide light and support to those facing their darkest hours.
