Uncategorized

You Are Family

JD Jackie Didio
February 2, 2025
Join Me at our DC Bow Bash!
Thank you so much for believing in our mission. I know you have supported us in many ways, and I’m grateful! I’m Jackie Didio, co-founder and Executive Director of Madelyn James, but most importantly, Maddy’s mom. At Madelyn James, we build deep, lasting relationships with the families we support. My husband Dan and I walk alongside them every step of the way—through the hardest days and the joyful ones. Here’s what that looks like:
Personal connection – We check in with calls, visits, and thoughtful surprises during  and after treatment.
Small moments, big impact – Coffee, food, or simply a smile can make all the difference.
Because we’ve been there – When Maddy was in treatment, these acts of kindness carried us through.

Each year, we host two Bow Bash Galas (Philadelphia & DMV). This year’s DC Bow Bash is especially important as we honor and remember Nico Ramirez—a heartbreaking reminder of why we must continue stepping up for these children. Last week, I visited the Collazo family. The moment I walked in, Legend and Leighton ran over and hugged me. That moment said it all: we are family.
Legend’s family shared with us that: 
“Madelyn James has helped us tremendously! There’s no word to describe how much Madelyn James helps. They have covered our rent, paid our utilities, paid our car rentals… They have paid for our flights…They have sent us numerous gift cards. There is nothing Madelyn James has not done, they literally do it all and without them, we do not know what this month or any month would look like honestly!”When you support Madelyn James, you’re not just helping a child—you’re lifting an entire family. Unlike other organizations, we focus on fewer families with greater impact, covering essentials like rent, car payments, gas, and food. But we don’t stop there. We offer emotional support and walk alongside families with compassion, communication, and the reassurance that they are not alone.

🎀 How You Can Help 🎀

By attending or donating to the DC Bow Bash, you are directly helping us provide stability, hope, and dignity to families fighting childhood cancer. This year, we’re also honoring Nico, our sweet boy gone too soon. 

 🎟️ Reserve your spot or make a gift today – early bird pricing ends soon!

Your support means that more babies and toddlers will have the care and compassion they deserve.
Thank you for being part of our family. Your kindness is changing lives.

With gratitude,

 Jackie Didio
 Co-Founder & Executive Director
 Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation
CTA:
 🎟️ Reserve Your Ticket for the DC Bow Bash
 🎀 Make a Life-Changing Gift
 📚 Read More Family Stories
🎀Buy Your Early Bird Tickets Today! 🎀
Presented by:
PHLYTM Logo
🎀 Sponsored By 🎀
Screen Shot 2025-03-20 at 3.59.30 PM
Katherine Callaway & Jeff Smeraglinolo (J²aCK Foundation)
HIS-Logo_2c_nodate
My Studio
3
Screen Shot 2025-03-06 at 9.30.48 AM
4-1
ALX COmmunitiy
Screen Shot 2024-04-03 at 10.18.19 PM
Boston Beer Co Logo
Wolffer Estate Logo
🎗 Special thanks to our incredible host committee!🎗 
Samantha Burkhalter, Veeva
Heather Burnson, LLS
Lauren Billings
Lauren Brassfield, Madelyn James Volunteer
Katherine Callaway, Jack Squared Foundation
Amy Corcoran, Alpha Omega 
Selam Eyassu, Hingham Institution for Savings 
Mayor Aliya Gaskins
Kelly Grant, ALX Community 
Laurie Horstmann
Heather Jelks, Nautilus Consulting 
Bonnie Killeavy, Booz Allen 
Nancy Lobo, The Magic Art Bus 
Linnette Le, Madelyn James Board Member, MyStudio 
Natalie Perilla, Gartner 
Lara Pukatch, Miriam’s Kitchen
Erin Schmidt, Lilypad Strategies 
Carolyn Seltzer, INOVA 
Christine Temple, Madelyn James Board Member, exaqueo
Lauren Tindall, Capital One 
Monica Vallarino, Children’s National
Share:

Help us keep families together.

Every gift supports low-income families through pediatric cancer treatment.

Donate now