When we started the Madelyn James Foundation in memory of our daughter, Maddy, we did it because we knew first-hand what it felt like to have the world stop. We knew the silence of a hospital room and the impossible weight of a diagnosis. And, we also felt something new and absolutely unstoppable: the incredible power of a community that refuses to let you face it alone.
Read our full 2025 Impact Report Here.
This past year, we spent a lot of time reflecting at Maddy’s tree, the one we planted with her ashes on the banks of the Schuylkill River. Like that tree, Madelyn James has moved through seasons. We have endured the “Harsh Winters”, the long hospital stays, the heartbreaking goodbyes, and the crushing financial strain that families face when they cannot work.
And, because of you, we have also witnessed the “Sunny Springs.” We’ve seen the joy of ringing the bell, the relief of a parent landing a new job, and the simple, profound beauty of a family being together at home because their rent was covered.
In 2025, “showing up” took on a new, tangible form. In collaboration with the family of our dear friend, the late Dr. Barbara Friedes, we launched Backpacks with Barbara.
This first-of-its-kind program in the U.S. provides custom, kid-friendly medical backpacks for children undergoing continuous immunotherapy. These aren’t just bags; they are tickets to freedom. They allow children like, our Madelyn James baby, Legend, to receive life-saving treatment while playing at the park or sleeping in their own crib. They represent our commitment to access and equity, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the tools to fight this disease with dignity. The national spotlight on this program has opened doors for us to partner with Blood Cancer United, allowing them to scale this mission to families nationwide.”
When a parent hears the words “Your child has cancer,” it takes their breath away. In that moment of overwhelming loneliness, you are the breath.
- You show up for the parents who need one less impossible decision to make.
- You show up for the babies and toddlers fighting for their lives.
- You show up for families like Nico’s, holding them close through grief
As we enter this new year, our mission is expanding. We are taking the lessons Maddy taught us: to never give up and to bring people together. We are committed to ensuring that hope grows stronger when it is shared.
This year, we are excited to expand our team, grow the number of families who are a part of our mission and launch a new, first-of-its kind caregiver resource for parents who have a baby with cancer.
At Madelyn James, family means showing up. Thank you for being a part of our family. Thank you for showing up!
With love and gratitude,
Jackie & Dan Didio, Maddy’s Parents
Help us keep families together.
Every gift supports low-income families through pediatric cancer treatment.
Donate now
