Earlier this year, nearly 450 guests gathered in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, for the second annual Walk by Faith Gala hosted by the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation. The event raised critical funds for Camp Norden, a summer camp program offered through Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

The foundation was created in memory of Maddy Nelson, who was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer while in high school. After intensive treatment, she reached remission, but the cancer returned. Maddy passed away in May 2016 at age 18, just days before graduation.

In the decade that followed, the Nelson family turned their loss into action – creating the Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation and hosting events like the Walk by Faith Gala to support other families facing childhood cancer. The gala, launched in 2025, also honors the vibrant legacy of Maddy’s sister, Faith Nelson, who passed away in 2023 following a snowmobile accident.

Faith was a gifted potter, a standout athlete in volleyball and softball, and an avid outdoorswoman who loved hiking, camping and hunting. She lived fully and carried forward Maddy’s memory through her constant acts of kindness.

Because of the commitment of sponsors, donors, and attendees, this year’s gala surpassed an incredible milestone – more than $109,000 raised. A portion of those funds directly support Camp Norden, along with HopeKids and LifeSource – organizations that provided meaningful support to the Nelson family and continue to serve others facing life-altering challenges.

“We are deeply grateful for The Maddy Nelson Memorial Foundation’s unwavering dedication to children and families facing childhood cancer,” Sarah Kier, associate director of community fundraising at Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Camp Norden. “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.”

The evening itself was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose – transforming personal loss into meaningful impact for others.