St Kilda and Richmond will dedicate their Round 16 clash to the memory of Nick Riewoldt’s sister Maddie — and to raising money to find a cure for the syndrome that claimed her life. Riewoldt, who lost sister Maddie to aplastic anaemia earlier this year, was joined by cousin Jack of the Tigers as the pair launched Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision.
The Round 16 clash between the two teams — at Etihad Stadium on Sunday July 19 — will be the Vision’s first major fundraiser.
“We’ll never stop grieving for Maddie because we’ll never stop loving her. It’s just how it is. Grief and love they’re conjoined. All we can be is inspired by her courage and know that she suffered so that others won’t.” – Nick riewoldt
The Vision aims to raise awareness and funds for treatment for Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.
The foundation will receive $5 from every ticket sold for the match and fans are being asked to wear purple — Maddie Riewoldt’s favourite colour.
“Maddie loved sport so, so much so it’s fitting we’re able to use this game as a platform to raise awareness and raise money for bone marrow failure syndromes,” Nick said on Wednesday.
“She’d be so happy and so chuffed to think that this was happening in her name and in her honour. I hope Jack (Riewoldt) and I both run out to an absolutely packed Etihad Stadium.”
Riewoldt said the vision was an attempt to honour Maddie’s final wishes.
“Maddie didn’t, and we certainly don’t, want to see any other people go through what Maddie did. From today with your support we hope that will become a reality.
“We’ll never stop grieving for Maddie because we’ll never stop loving her. It’s just how it is. Grief and love they’re conjoined. All we can be is inspired by her courage and know that she suffered so that others won’t.”
Cousin Jack said: “She was a fighter and she fought every day. And now, through the launch of Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, and through the support of everyone who comes along to this game, her fight will be kept alive.”
Donate to Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision at www.mrv.org.au or SMS ‘Maddie’ to 0437 371 371
#FightLikeMaddie