About Us
The Madden McKean Foundation is committed to investing in the lives of youth by providing opportunities to further their education and excel in athletics through camps and coaching. Inspire people to spread their kindness and empathy; to practice independent thinking; to speak their truth while respecting and appreciating differences in people.
We are a group of people who loved and admired Madden McKean. We are committed to spreading his legacy of being a young man who was kind to others; always doing his best; and appreciating each person’s unique differences while brightening the lives of all who knew him. Madden loved BIG while also blending in when he had to and standing out when he could.
We spread his legacy by investing in the lives of youth and their families. We provide scholarships to young people and their families to further their education or to develop their athletic talents in order to empower them to improve their lives and their community as they grow and give back to others.
To date, we’ve given $11,000 in scholarships and community donations. These donations are comprised of scholarships to Farmington High School and Blackduck High School senior students, sports booster clubs in Farmington and Blackduck, charity donations to groups in various Minnesota cities, and gift cards to Farmington High School students.
Meet Madden
Those who knew Madden, know he had the greatest sense of humor, a kind heart, and loved BIG. Tragically, on May 27, 2023, we lost Madden to a bicycle accident two blocks away from his mom’s house in Farmington. From that day forward a phrase was coined, “Live like Madden”. Here are some thoughts from his friends and family on what made Madden unique and the wide impact he made in his thirteen years on earth.
Madden had so much love to go around. He had enormous love for his family, extended family, friends, teammates and coaches.
He was always the life of the party trying to make people laugh and wanted everyone to feel included in whatever was going on.
As one of his friends said it best, “Madden was good at everything he did.”
As a young child it was clear that Madden had a thirst for life and a way to genuinely brighten the days of those around him. From an early age Papa Keith (Madden’s grandfather) would often proclaim that Madden had an “old soul”. While he was just a child, he seemed to have a personality and wisdom well beyond his years. Madden possessed an amazing ability to be able to adapt to his surroundings and once the opportunity was right, he would look to add his mark on the situation. We uncovered some early artwork this week where Madden had created a picture with the words “Blend in when you have to. Stand out when you can”. We really think this quote accurately describes Madden so well! He had no problem standing out.
He was a fierce competitor on the basketball court, the golf course, and the football field, but we loved seeing him throw his competition off by joking around with them.
His energy was unmistakable as he celebrated his teammate’s accomplishments and hyped them up during times of adversity. His passions were basketball, golf, football and fishing.
“Trust God even when it is hard”. These are words that Madden often recited to his friends as needed to help instill a sense of hope and faith in times of need. Madden inspired friends and family to deepen their faith. He was an example of great and strong devotion to who and what he loved and believed in.
Always do your best and try your hardest – you will never regret it.
Never be afraid to express your personality. Madden loved experimenting with hairstyles to make a statement. You name it, he tried it – the shaggy, middle part, the flip, the mullet, a mohawk, a fade, hockey hair, the perm, and lastly the buzzy.
Madden was a man of few words: a nod or that smirk and off he went. He gave big, full-heart hugs and you could feel his love in his presence. Madden had an internal compass for people with “good vibes”. He surrounded himself with fun, energetic, loving friends.
In hearing all the amazing stories and testimonies from Madden’s friends after he passed away, it is apparent that Madden truly was an Angel on Earth. We in his immediate family were blessed to know this for his entire life. As Madden began school, his circle of people he touched began to grow. Once he joined middle school and travel sports teams, he began to develop amazing relationships and leave his impression on those lives as well. While all of us were truly blessed to be a part of Madden’s life during his short time on earth, it is now time for God to use Madden’s stories to reach many others. We believe that when God reached his hand down to Madden to call him home, his words were confident in telling him well done my good and faithful son.
Embody kindness, courage, respect and love. Be fearless. Take the shot! Now is the time to “live like Madden”.
Honoring Madden's legacy through opportunity, advocacy, and community.
Scholarships
We offer a scholarship program to students who embody what it’s like to live like Madden.
Community Engagement
We support community programs that enrich and enhance the lives of students.
Advocacy & Awareness
We encourage anyone and everyone to love BIG, be kind, and stand out.
Join us.
If you are inspired and activated by Madden’s story and the ongoing impact his all-too-short life, we invite you to join us in supporting and investing in scholarship and community programs that teach, train, and empower young lives