Five Years of Maddie’s Legacy

It’s been five years since Maddie Riewoldt lost her life in her fight against Bone Marrow Failure, but her legacy lives on stronger than ever.

St Kilda Football Club, alongside Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision and Richmond Football Club, will turn Marvel Stadium purple on Sunday 5 April to mark the fifth Maddie’s Match.

Since its inception, Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision has raised over $8 million to fight Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, including funding 19 critical research projects and establishing the first Centre of Research Excellence in bone marrow biology in the Asia Pacific region.

This year’s special five-year anniversary Maddie’s Match festivities will begin with the Ride for Maddie from RSEA Park to Marvel Stadium on the day of the game. The peloton, led by Nick Riewoldt – thanks to Coles and RSEA Safety, will deliver the game ball to the umpires in partnership with Deliveroo.

“Five years of Maddie’s Match is a remarkable milestone,” Riewoldt said.

“We made a promise to Maddie to look after others affected and find better treatments. Maddie’s Vision is sharing the stories of those who are fighting their own battles and we’re also making inroads to new treatments.

“Through Maddie’s Match and the support of the football community, we have been able to keep our promise to Maddie.

“While there is still our family’s sadness attached to this event, there’s also so much to be proud and hopeful about.

“The compassion and generosity that we have received from not only the Saints family, but also the broader sporting community, has given us the strength and determination.

“We look forward to riding in and standing alongside everyone for this year’s Maddie’s Match to celebrate what we’ve all achieved together.”

The Maddie’s Match game day activation Maddie’s Challenge will be back for the second year in a row, with celebrities taking part in a variety of competitions throughout the afternoon as a part of ‘Team Saints’, captained by Nick Riewoldt, or ‘Team All Stars’, captained by Jonathan Brown.

“We were thrilled with the amount of excitement and support Maddie’s Challenge generated last year, and we can’t wait to see who takes out the title this year,” Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision CEO Nicky Long said.

“To bring fun and colour to what is a life-threatening medical condition, is what brings our community of families so much joy.

“Dealing with these diseases can feel relentless and Maddie’s Match is a highlight.”

Up to five million people across the globe are diagnosed with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes annually, with a survival rate of just 50%.

To secure your place in the game day Ride for Maddie, visit https://www.adventureabroad.com.au/rideformaddie2020/

2020 Maddie’s Memberships are also now on sale. The membership includes two level one tickets, a $5 donation to Maddie’s Vision, a Maddie’s Vision lanyard, a five-year anniversary card, pin and letter for just $50.

Existing Saints members also have the option of purchasing a Maddie’s Match supporter pack for $35, which includes all of the above items excluding match-day access. Visit www.saintsmembership.com.au