Rachel and Andy Lee are the co-founders of Madelyn’s Fund. They met just after Andy graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, while Rachel was a student at Clemson University. The couple married in 2007 and split their time between Greenville, SC and San Jose, CA while Andy played football for the San Francisco 49ers for 11 seasons. In the spring of 2015, he was traded and played one season each with the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers, and continued on to play 6 years with the Arizona Cardinals. They permanently settled in Charlotte in 2013 with their two boys, Ryan and Adam. Rachel enjoys shopping and dining at local spots in Charlotte, playing tennis, and planning the many events Madelyn’s Fund hosts throughout the year! During their downtime, you can find the Lees cheering on their boys at their many sporting events.
Madelyn, their daughter who was born in 2015, spent 8 days in the NICU before she passed away after complications with an infection. “We created Madelyn’s Fund to honor our daughter’s memory by assisting families in similar situations. If we had not experienced a NICU stay or the loss of our daughter, we would not have known the struggles so many families face. By taking away some of that burden we are supporting families in crisis and blessing them with the ability to focus on their child. Being able to pay for the cost of funeral related expenses is something especially meaningful to us. We never knew how expensive funerals could be since we never considered having to bury a child. No one does. To be able to help a family properly memorialize their child who could otherwise not afford it is a gift we are honored to be able provide through Madelyn’s Fund.
Beyond that, we are a lifeline to families who experience a NICU stay and are able to help so quickly during extremely stressful times. We are so thankful to everyone who has supported us through our loss and now through Madelyn’s Fund.”
Katie Darling
Katie has called Charlotte home for the past seven years and is originally from Gastonia, North Carolina. A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, she has built a career in advertising sales, currently representing multiple national publications.
Katie and her husband, Edward, are proud parents to 3-year-old twin girls, Margot and Temple. The girls spent 36 days in the NICU at Levine Children’s Hospital, an experience that left a lasting impact on their family and inspired Katie to become involved with Madelyn’s Fund.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is also an active member of the “Next Gen” committee of the David Belk Cannon Foundation.
Motivated by her personal experience, Katie joined the Madelyn’s Fund board to help raise awareness, expand community partnerships, and contribute to fundraising efforts. As chair of Community Partnerships, she’s passionate about connecting local businesses and organizations to the fund’s mission.
Katie believes one of the most important ways Madelyn’s Fund supports families is by easing the financial burden of a NICU stay, allowing parents to focus on being present with their child during some of the most challenging days of their lives.
Sarah Bennett Ifkovits
Sarah Bennett Ifkovits has lived in the Lake Norman and Huntersville area for 32 of her 39 years. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, and attended NC State University for her undergraduate studies in cultural anthropology before earning her law degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.
She is the Principal and Managing Attorney at Sodoma Law North in Cornelius, where she focuses on family law and estate planning. Sarah is also a certified Family Financial Mediator through the NC Dispute Resolution Commission.
Sarah and her husband, Michael, have three daughters—twins Annie and Ginny (2.5) and Birdie (9 months)—as well as two dogs, Ruthie and Pierogi. Annie and Ginny were born at 31 weeks and spent 64 and 66 days in the NICU. During their time there, Sarah experienced the emotional challenges of being a NICU parent, including postpartum depression and anxiety, but also felt deeply supported by their care team and the generosity of Madelyn’s Fund.
She first learned about Madelyn’s Fund through her mentor, Nicole Sodoma, and even volunteered while pregnant with her twins. Seeing firsthand how Madelyn’s Fund helped families—including her own—solidified her desire to give back.
After bringing their girls home, Sarah and her family launched a holiday gifting project for NICU families, distributing more than 80 tote bags filled with essentials, handmade items, and notes of encouragement. The project has continued to grow and remains one of her biggest passions.
“As a NICU mom, I want every parent to feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” Sarah shared. “Madelyn’s Fund reminds families they are not alone during one of the hardest moments of their lives.”
Sarah serves as the Family Outreach Chair on the Board of Directors and is committed to expanding Madelyn’s Fund’s reach across the greater Charlotte and Lake Norman areas. Outside of work, she enjoys playing Mahjong, interior decorating, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with her large extended family.
Kristina Fons
Kristina grew up in Texas and Wisconsin before moving to North Carolina in college, where she obtained an associate degree in Nursing from Carolina’s College of Health Science, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winston Salem State University, and a Masters Degree in Nursing-Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program from East Carolina University. For 9 years she was a bedside nurse in the NICU at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center before she became a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
When asked about why Kristina joined the board, she said: “When approached by Rachel and Andy to become a sitting Board Member, there was no doubt that this is something I wanted to officially be a part of. I first met Rachel and Andy at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center as I was the NICU nurse at Madelyn’s delivery. After meeting them and guiding them through the initial shock of Madelyn’s NICU stay, I quickly developed a close relationship with them. I became one of Madelyn’s primary nurses to help provide consistent care for not only Madelyn but also Rachel and Andy as because of the time of the year, no other family or friends were allowed to visit due to restrictions. What was once thought to be a brief stay in the NICU turned into one of the most tragic times for the Lee family. Being able to be a familiar face during their NICU journey and beyond the NICU has always given me peace knowing I have helped them get through some really tough moments. I’ll never forget when Rachel and I had breakfast one morning and she mentioned that she and Andy wanted to start a foundation in Madelyn’s honor to help other NICU families who are facing unforeseeable and sometimes devastating circumstances during their NICU journey. Seeing the foundation grow from an idea to where it is today has been one of the most rewarding things that I have ever been able to be a part of. From speaking at the initial Madelyn’s Fund Founding Event, the Inaugural Pink Bow Gala, 2021 Celebrity Golf Tournament, and helping coordinate nurses every year to volunteer for events, being an official Board Member is the next best thing in my journey with the foundation. I can’t wait to continue watching how Madelyn’s Fund positively impacts our NICU community.”
Outside of work, Kristina treasures spending time with her family, especially after the loss of her father in 2014. She enjoys trying local establishments, attending concerts, and being on the lake with her friends and boyfriend, and cheering on her Green Bay Packers. She is also an active member of the Teal Fitness, a gym owned by a family who had premature twin girls who required a NICU stay and received help through Madelyn’s Fund. The Teal family now holds Ellie and Zoe’s run every year to raise awareness about NICU and raise money for Madelyn’s Fund.
Scott Linch
Scott Linch brings extensive financial and investment banking expertise to the Madelyn’s Fund Board of Directors. As the leader of the Private Equity industry and investment banking practice at Forvis Mazars, he helps drive the firm’s strategic direction within the financial sector. Forvis Mazars is a globally recognized professional services network, operating in over 100 countries and territories. With a background in transaction advisory services at Big Four firms in Charlotte and Chicago, Scott has dedicated much of his career to buy-side and sell-side due diligence across a range of industries. He has advised on transactions from $2 million to over $9 billion, bringing a deep understanding of financial strategy and business growth.
Scott holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Accountancy from Wake Forest University, as well as an MBA from the University of Georgia – Terry College of Business. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association for Corporate Growth.
Scott is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community and is honored to support Madelyn’s Fund in its mission to assist NICU families. He has a personal connection to children in the NICU with his son, who is now 15. He lives in Charlotte with his wife and two sons.
Mary Lovegreen, MD
Dr. Mary Lovegreen has been a neonatologist for more than 11 years and currently serves at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC. She brings a wealth of medical expertise and a deep passion for supporting NICU families to her role as Madelyn’s Fund’s Medical Community Liaison.
Originally from a family that moved frequently, Dr. Lovegreen lived in 18 different cities across the country before settling in Charlotte over five years ago. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Chemistry from Virginia Tech and remains a proud Hokie. She attended Eastern Virginia Medical School, completing both medical school and her pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA. She went on to complete her neonatal and perinatal medicine fellowship in Pittsburgh, PA, where she also earned a Master’s in Medical Education. Prior to joining Levine Children’s, Dr. Lovegreen practiced in Houston, TX, and Winston-Salem, NC.
A dedicated physician and advocate for families, Dr. Lovegreen joined the Madelyn’s Fund Board of Directors after witnessing firsthand the organization’s incredible impact. “One of the reasons I chose to become a neonatologist is the opportunity to work so closely with families,” she shares. “Being in the NICU for weeks or even months can be incredibly difficult, and Madelyn’s Fund helps ease that burden by reducing barriers and minimizing stress so families can focus on what matters most—their babies.”
As a board member, Dr. Lovegreen aims to raise greater awareness of Madelyn’s Fund and its impact within the hospitals it serves. She is committed to strengthening these partnerships so they can reach their fullest potential and ensure every family receives the support they need.
Outside of work, Dr. Lovegreen is an active member of her church and enjoys traveling with her parents, gardening, cooking and baking, knitting in the winter, and exploring great wines. She is also the proud “hamster mom” to her spirited pet, Deeva, and a loving godmother to John Richard.
Dr. Lovegreen believes one of the most impactful ways Madelyn’s Fund supports NICU families is by providing essentials like gas cards, bus passes, and rideshare services. These resources help parents who might otherwise visit only once a week due to budget constraints spend more time with their babies, without the added stress of transportation costs. She is honored to play a role in helping families feel supported and connected during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
Alston Mann
Alston is currently the VP/GM of Commercial & Security at Snap One, a manufacturer and distributor of smart solutions for homes and businesses. After graduating from UNC- Chapel Hill, Alston began his career in finance, working for BlackRock and Jefferies prior to attending business school at UVA’s Darden School of Business. He then spent nearly eight years with the Boston Consulting Group in BCG’s Retail and Consumer practice areas before serving two years as Sr. Director of Enterprise Strategy at Lowe’s Companies, where he was responsible for supporting key strategic growth initiatives across the company.
Alston has lived in Charlotte for over eight years with his wife Jessie, with whom he shares three young children. Their oldest daughter, Haynes, was born at 33 weeks and spent nearly 6 weeks in the NICU at Levine Children’s Hospital in 2017. Alston and Jessie’s experience in the NICU inspired them to get involved with Madelyn’s Fund and gave them the opportunity to help other families who might not have had the same support they did when navigating the NICU experience. Alston hopes his experience in corporate development and strategy will shape the vision and goals of Madelyn’s Fund so it can provide long-standing support to the NICU community in Charlotte and beyond.
When asked what he feels is the most important way Madelyn’s Fund supports our community, Alston says “being able to be close to your child when they are their most vulnerable is critical for the mental health of NICU parents and family. I believe enabling family to be more present during their child’s NICU stay has the ability to decrease the length of time of that stay” and the impact that presence has on the family will last far longer than the hospital stay itself.”
Zoë Maurer
Zoë, a Connecticut native, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut (go Huskies!). She began her career at a local marketing agency before relocating to the DC metro area, where she honed her expertise in marketing strategy for brands, political campaigns, and causes, empowering clients to engage with their audiences and achieve their goals.
After becoming a mom, Zoë transitioned from the fast-paced agency environment to an in-house marketing role at an early childhood education publisher. Today, she leverages her experience to consult for impact-driven businesses and organizations specializing in building strong brands, establishing frameworks for marketing success, fostering strategic partnerships, and driven by her creativity and passion for helping others.
In 2015, Zoë and her husband, Chris, were shocked when their baby arrived prematurely at just 28 weeks, weighing 2 lbs 7 oz and measuring 14 inches. The following 92-day NICU stay was a life-altering experience that deeply touched their hearts. Grateful for the positive outcome, and now the parents of two healthy girls, Izzy and Isla Rose, Zoë and Chris are committed to supporting other NICU families recognizing the profound impact such traumatic experiences can have.
Zoë’s personal NICU journey fuels her dedication to Madelyn’s Fund’s mission motivating her to join the board of directors as the Marketing Chair in March of 2024. Her focus is to elevate the organization’s brand awareness, extend its community reach, and bolster fundraising campaigns. She recognizes the critical role of financial support provided by Madelyn’s Fund for local NICU families, driving her commitment to these initiatives.
Bethany Michael
Bethany currently works at UserTesting as a Regional Sales Director. She is a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago where she studied Marketing with a concentration in Sales. After graduating college, she worked for 15 years as a National Sales Executive for Careerbuilder.com selling advertising and human capital software. Bethany has also worked for Zoom Video Communications, selling video collaboration software for 2 years.
Originally born and raised in Iowa, Bethany moved from Chicago to Charlotte in 2006 with her husband Andy. They share five children: Scarlett (11), Piper (8), Teddi (7), and twins Eliza and Oliver (4) and are active members at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. In her spare time, Bethany enjoys playing tennis, Barre training, and volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at her church.
Bethany first learned of Madelyn’s Fund while attending the Pink Bow Gala when she was 22 weeks pregnant with her twins. Knowing her pregnancy was higher risk and there was a greater chance her babies may need to spend time in the NICU, she was very sensitive to the information and stories that were shared during the event. She was moved by the help Madelyn’s Fund provided to families in need and was especially inspired by the Lee family in how they created such light through Madelyn’s Fund during their greatest moment of darkness.
Bethany’s goal as Board Member is to bring awareness to the everyday hardships a NICU stay can have on an entire family. Through sponsors and donations, she believes the Fund can make a real difference in lessening the burden of these challenges and let families focus on their child(ren) while they are in the NICU.
Nicole Sodoma
Nicole Sodoma has lived in Charlotte since 2000 with the exception of 18 months when she lived in Seattle. She attended College of Charleston and Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
Nicole has three sons – Shepard, Maddix, and Bauer. Shep and Maddix both experienced time in the NICU. Her middle son, Shepard, lived in the NICU for 8 long weeks when he couldn’t breathe. We had no idea how sick he was and how hard his nurses worked and loved him until we had another baby boy, Maddix, who also lived in the NICU but didn’t need nearly the help that Shep needed. His stay was only 6 weeks. They both arrived when she was 32 weeks pregnant and wholly unprepared. But, unlike Madelyn, they both were able to come home and are now 9 and 12. Her three-boy family was complete, and her heart remains full. She says “I had big plans and ideas for how I could make a difference in the NICU because of what I experienced and what I witnessed of other parents who were also spending time praying and hoping for the best possible outcomes for their own children. Regrettably, three boys and a busy law practice, I let life get in the way of my intentions. Rachel and Andy did not let life get in the way of their purpose so it is an honor to help them serve in this organization that supports NICU patients and families.”
As a NICU mom of two out of my three sons, participating on the Madelyn’s Fund Board is particularly special to Nicole. “I learned quickly that the experience as a parent whose child is in the NICU is truly unique to that parent and family. Joining the board was a way for me to give back for those who supported my family. My goal is to raise awareness but also to make conversations around NICU experiences more hopeful and comfortable. NICU experiences with newborns in particular change whatever expectations you may have had in becoming a parent. Every effort to raise funds to support these families and give them hope is a priority for my participation on the board of Madelyn’s Fund. This organization makes a direct impact on families who are in the trenches. They work with experienced support systems and provide resources to parents who are in need. It can be as simple as a gas card and warm meal to car seats and glass bottles that their hospital may not provide” Nicole shared.
Nicole is an exercise junkie and tries to add fitness into her routine as often as possible – whether it is yoga, Pilates, biking, running or active meditation. Otherwise, you can find her at her law practice Sodoma Law. When she opened the doors of Sodoma Law in 2008, she was eager to build a team who would help every client navigate the hurdles of separation and divorce with empathy and determination – in and out of court. She wanted to surround herself with people who live and breathe family law like she does. Her practice is her passion; it not just her job, rather who she is. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys reading or writing about how to empower others through their own personal or professional journeys.
Staff
Sarah Turza
Sarah Turza joined Madelyn’s Fund in the fall of 2018 as the Program Manager. She grew up in the Charlotte area and graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School prior to completing her undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte in Psychology and Early Childhood and Family Development. There she earned her Birth – Kindergarten licensure along with her North Carolina Infant-Toddler Specialist credential. Over the past 14 years she has served as an Early Intervention Child and Family Specialist for the Piedmont region of North Carolina, worked as a Family and Developmental Specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery at Levine Children’s Hospital, and as a NICU case manager and Developmental Specialist for Mecklenburg County Children’s Services Agency. All of these roles afforded her the opportunity to work closely with families who have children with special medical needs, many of whom experienced lengthy NICU hospitalizations.
Prior to giving her time to Madelyn’s Fund, she served 4 years on the Board of the Charlotte chapter of the Family Support Network, serving as Board Chair for her final term. Efforts were focused on providing parent and sibling support for families who have a child with special medical and developmental needs. The biggest priority focused on linking families who have shared experiences and wish to provide emotional support and guidance to families that are earlier in their journey of learning about a particular medical/developmental diagnosis their child has received, how this might impact their child’s trajectory as well as helping them navigate what resources might be available in the community.
Working with the NICU population has always been a strong passion of Sarah’s, whether it is helping families learn to navigate a NICU stay, providing emotional support during the up’s and down’s many families experience in the NICU, or working with families after the transition home and beyond.
On her role with Madelyn’s Fund she says, “This gives me the opportunity to share all of what I have learned from my families and use their experiences to highlight where the greatest areas of need are in our community, and as a fund, how we might be able to fill those voids. Madelyn’s Fund is a unique community resource which strives to alleviate some of the financial stressors that can accompany a NICU hospitalization as well as increase community awareness of the toll an extended hospitalization can have on a family unit. Many families miss time away from work to be present and involved in their child’s medical care which can interfere with their ability to maintain basic household needs such as utilities, etc. and leads to additional expenses such as the cost of traveling up to 2-hours one way to be with their child. As part of the Madelyn’s Fund team, my goal is to continue building and strengthening our working relationships with local NICU Social Workers who are key in identifying families in need of financial support; whether it pertains to maintaining their household during a hospital stay or having the necessary means to be able to honor and celebrate their child’s life in the event they are unable to join their family at home.”
Outside of Madelyn’s Fund Sarah says, “I’m fortunate to have my mother and sister close and am enjoying being a first-time aunt to my little niece!”