Famous family with lemonade stand involved in accident after making a donation

WEST JOHN — You don’t need a degree in meteorology to know that it’s been hot lately.

“Really hot,” said 12-year-old Myleigh Madsen, laughing. “So hot I’m sweating.”

She doesn’t like these 100-degree days.

Nevertheless, she and her siblings keep going outside in the heat and setting up their lemonade stand to do something really cool.

“I just know I could save someone’s life,” she said.

KSL TV reported on the Madsen family’s efforts in 2021 in their West Jordan neighborhood.

They are selling lemonade to raise money in memory of their sister Makenzie, who died four years ago at the age of 14 while waiting for a heart and kidney transplant.

Lemonade stand is popular

As word spread about why they were doing this, their standoff on Countrywood Lane became a popular event.

The lemonade stand is still run by the family today.

“I’m so proud,” said Monica Madsen, her mother. “They’ve helped so much. They’ve raised over $27,000 in the last four years.”

The family donates the money to various groups, such as DonorConnect, which helps with organ donations.

In an email, Carlos Jasso, public relations manager for Donor Connect, said the Madsens donated $20,808 to their cause.

In fact, the family visited DonorConnect just earlier this week to present them with a check for $3,000.

On the way home, however, the family was involved in an accident in which, according to the Madsens, the other driver ignored the right of way.

Everyone is fine, but their van was badly damaged.

“Unfortunately, they will probably declare it a total loss. And it’s our family car,” said Monica Madsen.

Family continues to donate

Although they could use the money for a newer car, the Madsens said they will continue to raise money and donate to various causes because Makenzie believes in it.

“It’s good for us and our family to be able to do this for her,” said Monica Madsen.

Since the family does so much good for DonorConnect, Jasso reached out to KSL TV and asked if we could do a follow-up story on the Madsens and report on how much they donated overall, especially since the family could use some help right now.

The family is not used to this.

Madsen’s sister-in-law has set up a *GoFundMe page to help the family purchase a newer van.

“Because we like to help. That’s what we do and try. It doesn’t always work, but we try,” Monica Madsen said with tears in her eyes. “We just want to help other families not lose a loved one like we did with Kenzie. It’s hard to talk about, but we want to honor her and raise awareness.”

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