By admin 
The landscape of downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, served as the backdrop for a significant philanthropic milestone earlier this year as nearly 450 supporters, community leaders, and advocates gathered for the second annual Walk by Faith Gala. Organized by the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation, the event successfully raised more than $109,000 to benefit several critical organizations, most notably Camp Norden, a specialized summer camp program operated under the auspices of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). The gala represents a growing regional movement to address the multifaceted challenges faced by families navigating the complexities of pediatric oncology and life-altering medical crises.
The evening’s success was measured not only in the record-breaking funds raised but also in the profound community engagement that defined the event. Attendees participated in high-stakes auctions and donation drives, all aimed at ensuring that children battling cancer have access to environments where they can experience the joys of childhood away from the rigors of hospital wards. The $109,000 total surpassed previous organizational goals, reflecting a deepening commitment from local sponsors and individual donors to the foundation’s mission of turning personal tragedy into a catalyst for systemic support.
The Foundation of a Legacy: The Story of Maddy and Faith Nelson
The Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation was established as a living tribute to Maddy Nelson, whose battle with a rare form of childhood cancer began during her high school years. Despite the grueling nature of intensive treatments, Maddy initially achieved remission, offering a period of hope for her family and peers. However, the cancer eventually returned with aggressive persistence. Maddy passed away in May 2016 at the age of 18, only days before she was scheduled to graduate from high school. Her resilience during her illness became the cornerstone of the foundation’s identity, emphasizing the need for both medical research and emotional support for young patients.
In the decade following Maddy’s passing, the Nelson family sought to channel their grief into a structured effort to aid others. This mission took on a new layer of poignancy and urgency following the loss of Maddy’s sister, Faith Nelson, in 2023. Faith, who was instrumental in keeping her sister’s memory alive through consistent acts of kindness, died following a tragic snowmobile accident. The gala was subsequently renamed and reimagined as the "Walk by Faith Gala" in 2025 to honor both sisters.
Faith Nelson was remembered during the event as a multifaceted individual—a gifted potter, a competitive athlete in volleyball and softball, and an enthusiastic outdoorswoman who found solace in hiking, camping, and hunting. By incorporating Faith’s name and spirit into the gala, the foundation has expanded its reach, celebrating a legacy of "living fully" while continuing to address the dire needs of the childhood cancer community.
Camp Norden: Providing a Sanctuary for Young Patients
A primary beneficiary of the gala’s proceeds, Camp Norden, offers a unique service within the pediatric oncology landscape. Operated by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, the camp is designed specifically for children who have been touched by cancer, whether they are currently in treatment or in survivor status. The program focuses on providing a traditional camp experience—complete with outdoor activities, social bonding, and creative expression—while maintaining the necessary medical oversight and sensitivity required for its participants.
The funds raised at the Walk by Faith Gala are instrumental in maintaining the camp’s "no-cost" policy for families. The financial burden of childhood cancer is often catastrophic, with medical bills, lost wages, and travel expenses creating a permanent state of economic stress for parents. By ensuring that Camp Norden remains free of charge, the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation and CCRF remove a significant barrier to entry, allowing children to focus on peer connection and emotional healing.
Sarah Kier, Associate Director of Community Fundraising at Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Camp Norden, emphasized the importance of this partnership. According to Kier, the unwavering dedication of the foundation ensures that Camp Norden remains a vital resource where children can "simply be kids." She noted that the generosity inspired by the gala directly translates into expanded programming and increased capacity for the camp, which serves as a rare space where the shared experience of cancer does not define the child, but rather provides a baseline of mutual understanding.
Strategic Support through HopeKids and LifeSource
Beyond its contributions to Camp Norden, the Walk by Faith Gala provides essential funding to HopeKids and LifeSource. These organizations played pivotal roles in supporting the Nelson family during their most challenging periods and continue to serve as pillars for the broader Minnesota community.
HopeKids provides a specialized support system for families of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Their model focuses on restoring a sense of normalcy through a continuous calendar of events and activities, fostering a community where families can find solidarity. For the Nelsons, HopeKids represented a lifeline of social engagement during Maddy’s treatment, and the foundation’s continued support of the organization ensures that other families have access to the same "hope-focused" environment.
LifeSource, the third major beneficiary, manages organ, eye, and tissue donation across the Upper Midwest. The inclusion of LifeSource in the gala’s mission highlights the broader scope of the Nelson family’s advocacy, particularly following Faith’s passing. Organ donation organizations rely heavily on community awareness and funding to manage the complex logistics of transplantation and to support donor families. By directing a portion of the gala’s $109,000 to LifeSource, the foundation honors the gift of life and the importance of legacy through donation.
Chronology of Impact: A Decade of Advocacy
The evolution of the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation follows a timeline of resilience and growth:
- 2012–2015: Maddy Nelson undergoes treatment for a rare childhood cancer, experiencing periods of remission and recurrence.
- May 2016: Maddy Nelson passes away at age 18, sparking the initial drive for a memorial fund.
- 2017–2022: The Nelson family establishes the foundation, focusing on local community support and smaller-scale fundraising.
- 2023: The family suffers the loss of Faith Nelson, leading to a period of reflection and a decision to expand the foundation’s signature event.
- 2024: The inaugural Walk by Faith Gala is held, establishing a new standard for the foundation’s fundraising capabilities.
- 2025: The second annual gala raises over $109,000, nearly doubling the impact of previous efforts and solidifying its place as a premiere charity event in St. Paul.
Analysis of the Philanthropic Landscape in Pediatric Oncology
The success of events like the Walk by Faith Gala highlights a critical gap in the funding of childhood cancer research and support. Nationally, pediatric cancer research receives only a small fraction of the federal funding allocated to cancer research as a whole—often cited at approximately 4%. This disparity leaves a significant void that must be filled by private foundations and community-led initiatives.
The $109,000 raised in St. Paul is part of a larger trend where grassroots organizations are becoming the primary drivers of innovation and patient care improvements. For rare cancers, such as the one Maddy Nelson faced, the lack of commercial incentive for pharmaceutical companies often results in a stagnant pipeline of new treatments. Foundations that direct funds toward research and specialized programs like Camp Norden are essentially subsidizing the progress that federal and corporate sectors have yet to prioritize.
Furthermore, the gala’s focus on the "whole family" approach—supporting not just the patient but the siblings and parents through organizations like HopeKids—reflects a modern understanding of medical trauma. Experts in the field argue that the psychological impact of childhood illness persists long after treatment ends. Programs that facilitate social reintegration and emotional resilience are now viewed as essential components of the care continuum, rather than optional extras.
Community Resilience and Future Outlook
The evening in downtown St. Paul concluded with a powerful reminder of the collective efficacy of a motivated community. The 450 guests in attendance represented a cross-section of the Twin Cities area, including medical professionals, corporate sponsors, and families who have faced similar health crises. This diverse coalition is what allowed the gala to exceed its financial milestones and create a sustainable model for future years.
Looking forward, the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation intends to build on the momentum of the Walk by Faith Gala. With the $109,000 already being deployed to Camp Norden, HopeKids, and LifeSource, the focus shifts to the 2026 event. The foundation’s leadership has indicated that they hope to expand their corporate partnership program to further increase the gala’s net proceeds.
The enduring legacy of Maddy and Faith Nelson serves as a testament to the idea that personal loss, while devastating, can be transformed into a force for public good. Through the Walk by Faith Gala, their names are now synonymous with a movement that provides joy, hope, and life-saving support to the next generation of children facing the unthinkable. As the foundation continues its work, the impact of this year’s $109,000 milestone will be felt in the laughter of campers at Camp Norden and the renewed strength of families across the region.
