Meet Madison: A Story of Strength, Hope & Connection
As Len Forkas begins his 183 Miles of Hope journey at Mount Everest, he dedicates his first marathon to Madison, whose courage and determination remind us why every mile matters.
Madison is a vibrant 12-year-old who loves soccer, Minecraft, playing Nintendo Switch, and spending time with her family and friends. She also adores her Alaskan Malamute, Loki, and her cat, Smokey.
On August 19, 2025, Madison's life changed when she was diagnosed with high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Instead of spending her first day of sixth grade with her classmates, Madison was undergoing surgery and procedures to begin her cancer treatment.
Over the following months, Madison endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures, and total body radiation. On April 10, 2026, she underwent a bone marrow transplant, followed by more than five weeks in the hospital and another six weeks staying near the hospital as she recovered. Despite everything she has faced, Madison continues to show remarkable strength and resilience, often with a smile on her face.
100 days post-transplant!
On July 19, 2026, Madison reached an important milestone: 100 days post-transplant! Her sisters, Harper and Vivian, celebrated by arranging 100 stuffed animals along the staircase — one for each day of her recovery.
Today, Madison continues to recover and remains immunocompromised. She is looking forward to a milestone many children take for granted: returning to school in January, reuniting with her friends, and experiencing seventh grade in person.
