Hi Amazing Community!

It was such a joy to be back in Alexandria for the annual CFNC Spring Benefit this past week. And, everyone I saw asked about Maddy. At the event, I was urged to share a little update about what's been going on with us and also, with Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation.  So, here it goes!

Hannah, Dan and Jackie

We are about to celebrate Hannah (and our angel Maddy's) third birthday! Hannah is such an empathetic, loving, funny, smart, kind human. She walks to the beat of her own drum and we are very lucky she brings us so much joy each day. 

And, if you ask her about her sister, she proudly says, "my sister is Maddy." And, because I have the honor of visiting families in the hospital often, she makes up little stories about "going to the hospital to check on her friends." 

Just this week, an art therapist from the CHOP team and a bereavement team member came over to do an art project with Hannah. We took leaves from Maddy's tree and painted them and Hannah mixed colors together. It was such a wonderful dedication to Mads. 

Dan shared his "why" story at Ethicon's National Sales meeting in April in front of 1,300 team members! He is amazing and we are so grateful that because of him, we had precious time with our Maddy girl and Hannah Banana, together.

And, we've been loving Philadelphia! Our amazing neighbors and friends, seeing our amazing care team from CHOP (who are family now), and just trying to enjoy each second. 

It's the only place in the world where if we walk down the street on a different path, and memory stored in my brain might be remembered of our Maddy girl because she was there with me, with us. It's the only place where when I'm in a workout class, someone will come up to me after and say, "are you Maddy's mom!? I'm a child life specialist and I just had to say we think about her all the time." 

Recently a dear friend said, "it's like Philly is your Maddy portal." I love that thought! 

Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation

We are thrilled to be expanding our work to the DC Area! We will be partnering with Children's National in DC as our first expanded partner (outside of CHOP). And, we are so honored to work with three additional family's in Philadelphia. 

If you'd like to get involved in increasing access and equity in pediatric cancer, and help us grow, we'd love to tell you more! 

1. June 13, 2024: Bow Bash in Alexandria, VA 
2. July 15th, 2024: Golf Tournament outside of Philly 

We are so grateful for the support as we imagine a world where no family has to decide the fate of their child based on where they live, how much money they make, or how they identify. Every child has an equal right to a cure. Every family has the right to stay together. 

Thank you for your constant love.

We miss Maddy every day. 

Love,
Jackie, Dan & Hannah