# Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation ## Posts - [Bereavement, My Baby is No Longer Here](https://madelynjames.org/blog/bereavement-my-baby-is-no-longer-here/): If you have just lost your baby to cancer. We are so sorry. We’ve walked in your shoes. Our baby, Maddy, lost her battle in August of 2022. We hope this helps you feel less alone. Some words of love: We know what it feels like. To go through treatment. To be told your baby’s chance of survival is low. To stay so hopeful. To have plan “A, B, and C” turn into, “you have no more options.” To do everything you can for that final compassionate treatment, for that last inkling of hope, anything to hold on to. And... - [Financial Support: Before, During & After Treatment](https://madelynjames.org/blog/financial-support-before-during-after-treatment/): A gentle guide for families navigating a baby’s cancer diagnosis When your baby is diagnosed with cancer, everything narrows to one thing: protecting them. And yet, quietly and quickly, financial pressure begins to build. This guide is here to help you take small, steady steps, with clarity and kindness toward yourself. Right Now, Today You may still be in shock. That’s okay. Just start here. 1. Meet With the Hospital Support Team Ask to speak with: They can help you: It is easier to ask early than to untangle stress later. You deserve support. 2. Understand Your Insurance or What... - [What You Need to Know During Treatment](https://madelynjames.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-during-treatment/): When you hear the words, “Your child has cancer,” the world stops. This guide is here to help you take your next steps: clearly, calmly, and with confidence. 1. What You Need to Know Right Now Your medical team will move quickly. That can feel terrifying. It can feel overwhelming. AND, it also means your child is getting immediate attention. You will hear more information than your brain can possibly hold.You do not need to understand everything today. If the Diagnosis Was Delivered Poorly Some families are told during a meal.Some are given false hope before being corrected.Some are told... - [2025 Letter from our Founders](https://madelynjames.org/blog/2025-letter-from-our-founders/): 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... - [Meet Sarah!](https://madelynjames.org/blog/meet-sarah/): Meet one of our Madelyn James babies, Sarah! - [Four Years Since Maddy's Dianosis](https://madelynjames.org/blog/four-years-since-maddys-dianosis/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. This is our "why" - [Panel Recording and Recap: The Cure Can't Wait!](https://madelynjames.org/blog/panel-recording-and-recap-the-cure-cant-wait/): Join us for a recap of The Cure Can't Wait panel, and watch the recording! The panel explores equity and support for families facing childhood cancer. Discover our community's impact and ways you can contribute. - [Tied Together: Madelyn James Newsletter September 2025](https://madelynjames.org/blog/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... - [Backpacks with Barbara](https://madelynjames.org/blog/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... - [Remembering Maddy on her Third Angel Day](https://madelynjames.org/blog/remembering-maddy-on-her-third-angel-day/): Honor Maddy on the anniversary of her angel day - [Backpacks with Barbara: MJ's New Program](https://madelynjames.org/blog/backpacks-with-barbara-mjs-new-program/): Discover how Backpacks with Barbara, a new program from the Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation, supports children undergoing cancer treatment while honoring Dr. Barbara Friedes' legacy. - [The DC Bow Bash: Honoring Nico Ramirez and Raising $57,000](https://madelynjames.org/blog/the-dc-bow-bash-honoring-nico-ramirez-and-raising-57000/): The DC Bow Bash for the Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation honored Nico Ramirez and raised $57,000 to support families with cancer. - [Remembering Nico: A Bright Light Gone Too Soon](https://madelynjames.org/blog/remembering-nico-a-bright-light-gone-too-soon/): We love social workers. Celebrating heroes on international social worker day. - [We Love Social Workers! A Tribute on International Social Workers Day](https://madelynjames.org/blog/we-love-social-workers-a-tribute-on-international-social-workers-day/): We love social workers. Celebrating heroes on international social worker day. - [On International Women's Day: Speak Up for Children with Cancer](https://madelynjames.org/blog/on-international-womens-day-speak-up-for-children-with-cancer/): Learn how you can speak up for children with cancer on International Women's Day. - [You Are Family](https://madelynjames.org/blog/you-are-family/): 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... - [My New Year’s Wish: Every Child Deserves a Chance to Live—Support Pediatric Cancer Research and Access to Care.](https://madelynjames.org/blog/my-new-years-wish-every-child-deserves-a-chance-to-live-support-pediatric-cancer-research-and-access-to-care/): Why we need to demand increased funding for childhood cancer. Our children's lives depend on it. - [Meet Hadleigh: Our First DC Family](https://madelynjames.org/blog/meet-hadleigh-our-first-dc-family/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. This is our "why" - [Meet Thomas & Vivienne!](https://madelynjames.org/blog/meet-thomas-vivienne/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. This is our "why" - [The Philly Bow Bash 2024](https://madelynjames.org/blog/the-philly-bow-bash-2024/): Thank you for celebrating with us at our Philly Bow Bash 2024! - [September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month](https://madelynjames.org/blog/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. This is our "why" - [Meet A Legend!](https://madelynjames.org/blog/meet-a-legend/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. This is our "why" - [Bow Day 2024: Honoring the Life of Dr. Barbara Friedes](https://madelynjames.org/blog/bow-day-2024-honoring-the-life-of-dr-barbara-friedes/): Dr. Barbara Friedes: We Honor Your Life, Legacy, Light and Joy - [Celebrating Madelyn James Didio Day in Alexandria VA](https://madelynjames.org/blog/celebrating-madelyn-james-didio-day-in-alexandria-va/): Join us in honoring the legacy of Madelyn James Didio with a day of celebration in Alexandria VA. - [A Letter to Bereaved Parents](https://madelynjames.org/blog/a-letter-to-bereaved-parents/): a letter to bereaved parents: we are here with you and you are not alone. - [Meet Zane!](https://madelynjames.org/blog/meet-zane/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. This is our "why" - [Advice for When Your Child is First Diagnosed with Cancer](https://madelynjames.org/blog/advice-for-when-your-child-is-first-diagnosed-with-cancer/): Where to start if your child is diagnosed with cancer from one mom to all moms. - [Meet our first Madelyn James Family](https://madelynjames.org/blog/meet-our-first-madelyn-james-family/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. This is our "why" - [Conoce a nuestra primera familia Madelyn James](https://madelynjames.org/blog/conoce-a-nuestra-primera-familia-madelyn-james/): En Madelyn James, creemos que aumentar el acceso y la equidad puede conducir a una cura para muchos niños con cáncer. Este es nuestro "por qué" - [Why Access and Equity Matters and Why Madelyn James?](https://madelynjames.org/blog/why-access-and-equity-matters-and-why-madelyn-james/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. This is our "why" - [Thank You for Celebrating Madelyn James!](https://madelynjames.org/blog/thank-you-for-celebrating-madelyn-james/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Thank you for making our mission possible. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 14 Celebrate](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-14-celebrate/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 14 of #14DaysofMaddy: Celebrate! - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 13 Feisty](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-13-feisty/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 13 of #14DaysofMaddy: Feisty. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 12 Fierce](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-12-fierce/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 12 of #14DaysofMaddy: Fierce. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 11 Compassion](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-11-compassion/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 11 of #14DaysofMaddy: Compassion. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 10 Kindness](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-10-kindness/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 10 of #14DaysofMaddy: Kindness. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 9 Patience](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-9-patience/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 9 of #14DaysofMaddy: Patience. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 8 Grace](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-8-grace/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 8 of #14DaysofMaddy: Grace. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 7 Perspective](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-7-perspective/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 7 of #14DaysofMaddy: Perspective. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 6 Inclusive](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-6-inclusive/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 6 of #14DaysofMaddy: Inclusive. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 5 Peace](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-5-peace/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 5 of #14DaysofMaddy: Peace. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 4 Hope](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-4-hope/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 4 of #14DaysofMaddy: Hope. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 3 Family](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-3-family/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 3 of #14DaysofMaddy: Family. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 2 Trust](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-2-trust/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 2 of #14DaysofMaddy: Trust. - [14 Days of Maddy: Day 1](https://madelynjames.org/blog/14-days-of-maddy-day-1/): At Madelyn James, we believe that increasing access and equity can lead to a cure for many children with cancer. Day 1 of #14DaysofMaddy: Love. ## Pages - [Backpacks with Barbara](https://madelynjames.org/backpacks-with-barbara/) - [Our Team](https://madelynjames.org/our-team/) - [Caregiver Resources](https://madelynjames.org/caregiver-resources/) - [Brand Guidelines](https://madelynjames.org/brand-guidelines/) - [Home](https://madelynjames.org/) - [Privacy Policy](https://madelynjames.org/privacy/): Introduction Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services. Information We Collect We may collect information about you in a variety of ways, including: Personal Data Personally identifiable information, such as your name, email address, mailing address, and telephone number that you voluntarily give to us when you: Donation Information When you make a donation, we may collect payment information through our secure payment processor. We do not store your full... - [Contact](https://madelynjames.org/contact/) - [Blog](https://madelynjames.org/blog/) - [Get Involved](https://madelynjames.org/get-involved/) - [Events](https://madelynjames.org/events/) - [Impact](https://madelynjames.org/impact/) - [Our Model](https://madelynjames.org/our-model/) - [About](https://madelynjames.org/about/) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)