Tied Together: Madelyn James Newsletter September 2025

A Note from Jackie & Dan

We’ve already had an incredible year so far at Madelyn James. And, a hard year. The life of “ands” is constant when you are battling cancer as a family. We expanded to a new family and then walked with them as we sadly had to say goodbye to Nico. We celebrated his life in DC at our Bow Bash. We spoke at a conference in Atlanta at the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers about the importance of our work and “precision medicine for social workers.” And, we witnessed one of our families graduating from our program. We have expressed our concern about the state of funding for childhood cancer and for medicaid. And through it all – we want to honor joy.

So, today, we sing 🎵”happy birthday“🎵 to four of our Madelyn James babies. Navigating life during treatment, life after treatment or life after your child passes away can be very difficult. AND, we also recognize that every day is worth celebrating. That’s why we wanted to celebrate four summer birthdays! Zane: Happy Fourth Birthday! We can’t wait to see photos of you on your new bike. Vivienne: Happy Second Birthday! And we hope you get to celebrate with Thomas and know that we love you so much.  Legend: Happy Second Birthday! Enjoy some pool time and time with your brothers and sister before your newest member of the family joins us soon.  Violetta: Happy Third Birthday! And almost time for your school to start in the fall! We’re so proud that you’re walking. Love,Jackie & Dan

Donate Today to Bring Joy!

What’s New at Madelyn James?Social Worker Connections and LeadershipJackie spoke at the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers meeting in Atlanta in April with Susan Pultman, social worker at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The talk was on “Precision Medicine for Social Work” and focused on how our work is more than paying the rent, it is focused on the whole family and giving the best gift to families possible: more time together.  Her favorite moments were:Connecting with social workers from around the countrySharing stories about our work at Madelyn JamesListening and learning to the latest about finding joy in this work

Partnership Double WavesPHLY PartnershipWe are incredibly honored to share our three-year partnership with Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY)! PHLY has generously committed $25,000 annually for the next three years to support the growth and expansion of the Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation and our Whole Family, Whole System Model—a comprehensive, personalized approach that ensures families living in poverty and facing pediatric cancer receive the support they need throughout and beyond treatment. This transformative partnership will allow us to deepen our impact in our current program sites—Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC—as we expand our reach and wrap even more families in care. PHLY holds a truly special place in our hearts. Their team is filled with people who lead with empathy and act with purpose. Our connection began in 2022, shortly after our daughter and namesake, Maddy, passed away. We were raising funds for CHOP, and John Glomb, CEO Tokio Marine Group, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, introduced us on stage. That day, we shared Maddy’s story and asked the entire crowd to join us in reading her favorite book: The Pout-Pout Fish. It became one of our most cherished memories—a reminder of the power of community and the joy Maddy brought to the world. After the event, John came up to us and said, “I’m so sorry about Maddy. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’d love to.” He meant it. Since then, we’ve seen his kindness extend not only to our family but to every family we serve. Now, at every Madelyn James event, we carry that moment forward by inviting guests to “repeat after us” and sing The Pout-Pout Fish—affectionately known to us as the “Kiss Kiss Fish.” And every time, we think of that first moment doing it together with our friends at PHLY. 💜 Thank you, PHLY, for your belief in our mission and your incredible partnership.A big Maddy Double Wave to Christianne Clymer for your advocacy and leadership, and to Julia McKee for your vital role on our Host Committee. We couldn’t do this without you. I’m a Kiss Kiss Fish!

Save the Date!

How You Can Help Right Now: Join The Bow SocietyImagine choosing between paying rent or staying by your baby’s hospital bed.Did you know that a devoted group of donors—our Bow Society Members—make sure no family ever has to make that choice. Right now, we’re growing. Because social workers are asking us to help more families. We’re expanding to support two more families, and that means we need your help more than ever. These families are living in hospital rooms, juggling medications, procedures, and the fear of the unknown. Thanks to the Bow Society, we cover what no one else does—monthly rent, car payments, and those surprise bills that don’t stop when cancer begins. Our goal? $10,500 a month. That’s what it takes to pay rent for six families. That’s what it takes to keep them together. Will you help us get there? Join the Bow Society today—and make sure no parent has to choose between stability and standing by their sick child.

Join Our Monthly Donor Club: The Bow Society Today!

The DC Bow BashHonoring Nico Ramirez and Raising $57,000This year, the evening held even deeper meaning: The City of Alexandria officially recognized May 16 as “Nico Ramirez and Madelyn James Day,” honoring two beautiful lives lost too soon. We were honored to welcome Mayor Alyia Gaskins, who delivered a heartfelt proclamation and reminded us all: “Tonight is about honoring and it is also about celebrating. It is about honoring Maddy and Nico and their lives and their stories—making sure that we continue to tell about the impact that those children have had, not only on their families but on each of us and everyone who got to hold and meet them.” She also shared that in the past year, our foundation has grown from supporting three families to six, reflecting the impact you’ve helped us make. Read more about the DC Bow Bash here!

Volunteer HighlightWestfield High School Class of 2005A double wave to our amazing volunteers from the Westfield High School class of 2005! Roxie Alsruhe, who was also a sponsor of the DC Bow Bash with your company, HoopDee,  you planned an amazing 20 year reunion, and your focus on community building was present and thriving that night. Thank you for selecting Madelyn James as the charity to donate to! Because of your leadership, you raised over $1,000 to support our families. Thank you! And, a double wave to Megan Martin for being our Madelyn James ambassador at the event and sharing our mission. You are both amazing. I’m proud to be a member of the class of 2005!