Help Our Friend Maddy Fight Stage 4 Cancer
Once upon a time, a group of friends met in the most unexpected of places… an old MMO called EverQuest. We banded together to slay pixel dragons, compete in server races, and laugh our way through long nights of gaming. Over time, we realized that the connection we’d built was about more than just loot and raid bosses. We were forming real friendships, the kind that last well beyond the game.
One of those friends is Shane, or as many of us know him, Madroxide (or just Maddy).
Today, Maddy is fighting the battle of his life. He’s been diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and his world has changed dramatically. Once a strong, active guy who could game for hours and crush content with the best of us, Maddy now spends most of his days at home, managing pain, undergoing treatment, and trying to keep his spirits up.
He lives alone in rural Maine, with limited support beyond a few kind souls who help with rides to treatments. He’s no longer able to work and is navigating the complex systems of disability and public aid, which as many of you know takes time and doesn’t always cover what’s really needed.
From Maddy:
“I can barely game anymore. I live vicariously through friends’ streams and Discord chats. Seeing life go on for my friends keeps me sane. Some days I’m afraid to take a shower because I don’t know if I can stand up that long. I used to be able to crush server launches, now I just want to make it through the week.”
Despite the challenges, Maddy hasn’t given up. But the fight is taking its toll… physically, emotionally, and financially.
That’s where we come in.
Why We’re Raising Funds
We’re raising money to cover Maddy’s health insurance for the year so he doesn’t have to worry about losing access to critical treatment. The goal is to relieve some of that burden and let him focus on what truly matters: rest, recovery, and maybe… just maybe… gaming with us again someday.
This isn’t charity. It’s gratitude. For all the laughs, support, late-night raids, and years of friendship. Helping Maddy is the least we can do. Let’s pick our boy up in his darkest hour and remind him that his raid group, his community, and his friends are still right here by his side.
How You Can Help
Donate what you can. Every dollar goes directly to covering Maddy’s medical insurance and living expenses.
Share this page. Whether you gamed with him or just believe in helping good people during hard times, please spread the word.
Drop him a message. Let Maddy know he’s not alone — post on my stream at https://twitch.tv/viciouseq , the community Discord, or leave a note of encouragement here.
Together, we’ve conquered dungeons and bosses. Now let’s help Maddy beat the hardest one yet.
