Hundreds of runners are getting ready to lace up their shoes to help support families dealing with cancer.
Madyson LeTourneau first stole our hearts back in 2016 when NBC26 brought you her story of battling rhabdomyosarcoma. It's a disease where malignant cancer cells form in muscle tissue.
"Going through cancer with your child, as a mother, is probably the most terrifying, exhausting thing you can ever go through," explained Betsy LeTourneau.
Madyson endured more than 10 months of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
"With her treatment and the type of cancer she has, you know there's always a possibility that she might develop some other type of cancer. So, I don't think you ever really put it behind you," said Madyson's father, Paul LeTourneau.
But they're happy to have just hit a major milestone in their journey. For the second year in a row, Madyson's routine scans showed no sign of disease.
"In the now, we're super thrilled, relieved, elated that she is cancer free and also doing really, really well," said Betsy.
Madyson is a happy, healthy four-year-old who enjoys playing with her Peppa Pig toys and attending preschool with her friends. She's also getting ready for the 3rd annual Miles for Madyson 5K and 10K run/walk. The race, that was created in her honor, will wind through Oconto.
"I think the beauty of living in a small community is that you know a lot of people, and people rally around you," Betsy explained.
Proceeds from the event are split between two organizations. The MACC Fund is dedicated to cancer research to find new treatments or a cure. The Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee allows families from Northeast Wisconsin to stay overnight while getting treatment at nearby medical facilities. The cost is a $20 donation or free if you can't afford it. Both organizations helped the LeTourneau's during their cancer battle.
Betsy said, "It was just really important to us to find a way to help them continue to help other families."
In just two years of the race, the family has donated an impressive $52,000.
"We really obviously hope that through our little contribution that they can eventually find cures for cancer and help children deal with this horrible disease," said Paul.
The LeTourneau's appreciate the support in their efforts to pay it forward, and now they're looking forward to another successful race day in honor of their daughter's fighting spirit.
"Just the positive energy that comes out of a day like that makes all of the work worth it," Betsy explained.
Registration for Miles for Madyson is open right now. The races will be held Saturday, May 12th in Oconto. Participants will receive a T-shirt, swag bag and a free ticket to attend the Green Bay Blizzard football game that night.
Last year, more than 600 runners and walkers participated in Miles for Madyson. They're hoping to top that this year.
