Toddler Battling Cancer Supported With $82K From Maryland Fundraiser

PASADENA, MD — A fundraiser is collecting donations for a Pasadena toddler battling cancer. The effort has raised more than $82,000 since it started on Jan. 29.

The Fundraiser

Planners hope to raise $100,000 for Madilynn Jo Nelson, who is a "sassy 2-year old princess." Nearly 900 people have donated to the GoFundMe so far.

Madi's mother is Danielle Nelson, the practice manager at Anne Arundel Dermatology. Her company gave a fundraiser-high $2,500 to the campaign. Two other accounts also contributed $2,500.

The child's father is Todd Nelson, the defensive coordinator for the Stevenson University Mustangs football team. He is additionally a realtor with Douglas Realty.

"Madi is in for a long hard battle," fundraiser organizer Katie Heffington said on the GoFundMe page. "The Nelson family will need us now, next week, next month, next year and beyond!"

The Diagnosis

Madi went to her pediatrician after having stomach issues in January. The doctor recommended a CT scan to check things out. That imaging revealed a mass near her spine.

Doctors diagnosed Madi with neuroblastoma on Jan. 25. The medical team later confirmed that her cancer is in stage four, which puts her in the high-risk category.

Madi is currently getting treatment at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center's Division of Pediatric Oncology.

The Anne Arundel County native started chemotherapy on Feb. 1. She will also undergo radiation, stem cell therapy and surgery to remove her tumors. Madi will then need a bone marrow replacement and immunotherapy.

The Path Forward

The fundraiser will go toward medical bills. It will also help the Nelsons provide for Madi and her two brothers: Connor, 10, and Jordan, 5.

"Help us rally around the Nelson family as they face some of the scariest and most uncertain days, weeks, and months ahead," Heffington said. "By taking some of the financial burden off of Todd and Danielle, we will allow them to focus on Madi, Connor and Jordan."

Marylanders can donate at this link. They can also join the 2,200 residents following the "Miracles for Madi" support group on Facebook.

EDITOR'S NOTE: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

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