27 Jan The Journey That Built Madelyn’s Fund: A Decade of Love, Loss, and Legacy
Written by: Rachel Lee, co-founder of Madelyn’s Fund
Today, January 27th, 2026, Madelyn would be turning 11 years old. It’s hard to put into words what this day means—but like every year, it brings both deep heartache and a powerful reminder of why Madelyn’s Fund exists.
At our Pink Bow Gala last fall, I shared something that helped me process the journey we’ve been on: a word for each year in the decade since Madelyn was born. One word that captured where we were in that season—how we were grieving, growing, building, and honoring her legacy by helping other families walking a similar path. Today, on Madelyn’s 11th birthday, I wanted to share those words again and add one more for this year.
2015: Grief
The year we lost our daughter. There’s no other way to describe it-grief surrounded every breath. It was raw, heavy, and consuming.
2016: Honor
We knew we had to do something meaningful. We created Madelyn’s Fund, not just as a way to grieve, but to honor her life by helping others walking a similar path.
2017: Hope
As we served NICU families and bereaved parents, we saw hope emerge from them and within us. That hope fueled everything.
2018: Hope
We were surrounded by incredible people who believed in what we were doing. Their heart, their passion, their generosity-itpushed us forward. Our Program Manager comes to mind here as she left her full-time job to come alongside us, believing in our mission.
2019: Growth
We hit our stride. Our programs grew, our support expanded, and we started to see just how far the reach of Madelyn’s Fund could go.
2020: Change
The world changed. The pandemic forced us to adapt, and like so many, we had to pivot and rethink how to serve in uncertain times.
2021: Renewal
As things slowly reopened, we found renewed purpose. New ways to connect, new ways to give, new ways to be there-even if it was from a distance.
2022: Community
We formed new partnerships and felt the strength of the community we’d built. It was no longer just us; it was all of you.
2023: Expansion
We expanded into Columbia, SC, launching our program at Prisma Richland and Baptist NICUs. This was a milestone, not just in reach, but in recognition of the real need for support.
2024: Impact
The reach of our support grew significantly. More families helped, more lives touched.
2025: Legacy
What began in heartbreak has grown into a legacy of love—one that continues to reach. more NICU families than we ever could’ve imagined.
As we approach 10 years as an organization on November 11, 2026, I find myself reflecting on just how far we’ve come. I’m deeply grateful for all that’s been built and encouraged by what still lies ahead. Whether you’ve been part of this story from the very beginning or are just learning about Madelyn’s Fund, we are so thankful for you. Your support has carried us through grief, given us the courage to honor, the strength to hope, and the resources to grow. Because of you, we’re able to bring comfort, support, and dignity to families facing some of the hardest days of their lives.
Thank you for being part of Madelyn’s story and our family’s healing. Thank you for believing in something so personal, so powerful, and so necessary. I truly can’t express how much it means to us. Thank you.
About Madelyn’s Fund
Madelyn’s Fund, established in 2016, is a Charlotte, NC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support to infant and pediatric patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to families who experience the trauma of infant loss. The organization helps NICU families cover unexpected costs, including funeral expenses, offering critical assistance during times of need.
To learn more about Madelyn’s Fund, visit www.madelynsfund.org. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Zoë Maurer, Marketing Chair, at zoe@madelynsfund.org.
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