Backpacks with Barbara

As many children head back to school, we know this season can feel both joyful and tender for so many families.  At Madelyn James, we are marking this year’s back-to-school with a piece of uplifting news: our newest program, Backpacks with Barbara, has been making headlines this week!

Thanks to your support, the story of our dear friend, Dr. Barbara Friedes’ legacy and sunshine and our mission to help children with cancer has been featured across major Philadelphia outlets:

CBS-3: New Program at CHOP helps children with cancer while honoring Dr. Barbara Friedes
KYW Newsradio: CHOP releases kid-friendly medical-grade backpacks in honor of Dr. Barbara Friedes Philly Inquirer: CHOP receives 300 backpacks designed to help kids get leukemia treatment on the go
6ABC: Family donates medical backpacks in memory of CHOP doctor

We want to give “Maddy Double Waves” to our partners at PHLY who hosted our very first volunteer event to make this possible, to our amazing design partner, Joel, at Burning Tree Designs, to our team who created this idea and most of all, to the family of Barbara. Thank you for sharing your amazing daughter with us through this amazing process. We are so grateful for your love and support and walking with you through grief.  

This program—the first of its kind in the U.S.—provides children with cancer a safe, medical-grade backpack so they can receive treatments and do normal things like going back to school, playing outside, and being with friends.  I had the chance to see the program in action during a clinic visit after dropping off backpacks, and my favorite moment was one I didn’t see coming. A little girl was refusing to take the medicine she needed—until the team told her she would get to pick out her very own backpack. Her whole face lit up, and with a big smile she said, “Okay!”Sometimes all we need is just a choice – no matter how old we are – to help us feel in control. 

 Now, we want to fully fund this program and raise $15,000 to reach even more children. As the school year begins, please consider funding a backpack for just $50. Your gift helps a child with cancer get the treatments they need while still being able to experience the joys of childhood. 🎀Donate Now to Fund a Backpack Barbara’s life and work continue to inspire us, and we are deeply grateful to her family, CHOP, and each of you who make this mission possible. 

With gratitude,
Jackie
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation