Family, Friends Go Miles in Memory of Maddy Loftus

As runners and walkers of all ages crossed the finish line, breathless, the smiles on their faces and warm appraisals from their peers and family members made it clear that this event meant much more than the satisfaction of completing the race.

The second annual MADdash 5K was held Saturday morning, circling the Mack-Cali business campus. The run/walk was created in honor of Madeline Loftus, a former Par Hills athlete who died at the age of 24 in a February 2009 plane crash in Buffalo.

Loftus’ legacy as an ice hockey player, daughter, friend and co-worker inspired 11 of her loved ones to team up and create this annual event to carry on her memory.

“It’s a great way for everyone to just get together and celebrate her and honor her spirits, because she was very active and fun,” said Elizabeth Lyver, Madeline’s high school friend and co-worker. “She would’ve loved this.”

The support of the more than 500 race participants and nearly $50,000 in donations over the last two years serve as testaments for the heartwarming impact Loftus made on those around her.

"Madeline was very accepting of a lot of different people, she wasn't judgemental," said Joanne Duckman, Madeline’s former boss and MADdash lead committee member. "She was a great worker for me, a good friend to everyone she knew and was a really awesome family member."

“She was like a ray of sunshine,” Lyver added. “She was just the most sweetest, genuine person you could ever meet. You always wanted to be around her.”

“Maddy touched so many people,” said Mallory Blauzschun, a friend of Loftus. “It’s great to see how many lives that she affected. It’s great to pull everybody together and honor her.”

A picnic followed the 5K event at Lake Parsippany Park where volunteers and participants gathered some more.

“She had friends all over the place,” said Erin Ilovichny, a co-worker and friend of Loftus. “She went to college in Buffalo and then went out to Minnesota, so there’s people from all over the place that come together.”

Proceeds from the MADdash 5k and tricky tray benefitted The Maddy Loftus Memorial Scholarship Fund, granting college assistance for a graduating Par Hills athlete seeking to pursue a sports career in college.

 For more information on The Maddy Lofus Memorial Scholarship Fund or to make a donation, visit its website.