Saying goodbye: Join Maddy's Partners team, everyone's invited

When Madeline ‘Maddy’ Hallett came to Lansdowne Children’s Centre’s Therapeutic Recreation program as a Mohawk College placement student, “She brought a beautiful energy and light that can't be put into words.”

Madeline ‘Maddy’ Hallett came to Lansdowne Children’s Centre’s Therapeutic Recreation program as a Mohawk College placement student. It was a natural fit for her, because she had always loved children. (Photo by Lansdowne Children's Centre, Heroes Walk and Roll 2024)

Sadly, Maddy fell ill during her placement; she had a congenital malformation in the blood vessels in her brain that no one knew about until it suddenly ruptured. She had emergency and follow up brain surgeries, but the damage was too severe. She passed away in February 2025, at the age of 20.

To honour her memory, Lansdowne staff who knew Maddy gathered and wrote a memoriam for her, which was shared with the board and her family.

“Though Maddy's time with us was short, she seamlessly integrated with the team and the clients as if she had always been there.”

Lansdowne staff noted that “it took only minutes for the clients to love and adore her.” While she had a quiet approach, Maddy made a big impact.

“She put her all into everything she did – from jumping right in to volunteer at the Heroes Walk and Roll, doing improv with the kids, ensuring the meaningful display of the artwork for the gala, creative costume design, and even played the role of a chicken practicing for the youths' on-stage play!”

Lansdowne staff said it had been a privilege to get to know Maddy.

(Photo courtesy of Maddy's family)

“She was bursting with kindness and care for those around her, no matter how long she had known them. We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and work with Maddy.”

Maddy’s mother shared a few thoughts about her daughter with Lansdowne staff, noting that Maddy had “absolutely adored children: as a loving friend, a keen volunteer, a compassionate worker, and an enthusiastic student.” Before her placement at Lansdowne, Maddy had been a volunteer with Girl Guides of Canada, and had worked as a babysitter and at Boys and Girls Clubs.

Maddy’s legacy of helping others has carried on after her passing. Her hair was donated to help make a wig for a child with cancer/ medical hair loss. Her eyes will help someone see through the Trillium Gift of Life Network (this agency, which coordinates organ and tissue donations, is now part of Ontario Health). Maddy’s body is in the care of the University of Toronto’s medical school, to help with research and education.

“Maddy is constantly in our hearts and thoughts … She is desperately missed by the many people of all ages who loved her,” her mother said, adding that in hopes of “honouring her spirit and generosity,”

Maddy’s loved ones are inviting everyone to take a page from her book and do what they can to help others as she has done.

This might mean donating your hair to make a wig (be sure to check what the organization’s criteria is, and follow donation instructions).

You can register as organ/ tissue donor at https://beadonor.ca/  

Another way to directly honour Maddy’s memory is to join the Maddy’s Partners team through Canadian Blood Services’ Partners for Life program; she received two blood transfusions during her illness.

You can sign up to join the team either through the Canadian Blood Services’ website, Blood.ca, or through the GiveBlood app.

Once you’re in your account, select ‘Partners’ from the menu, and then ‘Join existing team.’ Search for Maddy’s Partners, and then join the team.

After you’ve joined, any time you donate blood, plasma, or platelets, your donation will be tracked with the rest of the Maddy’s Partners team.

You can be on more than one Partners for Life team and your donations will be applied to each team. Team members can book individual or group appointments anywhere in Canada through the team page.