Journey For Jugs

My name is Maddie Takacs, and I wanted to share a little bit about myself and my family as we prepare for the upcoming fundraiser workout hosted in our honor.

I live in Phoenix with my husband, who’s a firefighter, and our sweet two-year-old daughter, Payton. We’ve been married for five and a half years, and we’re currently expecting our second baby — another little girl — due early 2026. I work in the restaurant industry, and we’re a family that loves hard, laughs often, and leans on each other through everything.

On April 11th, while on vacation, I found a lump that led to a whirlwind of tests. On May 12th, I was diagnosed with triple negative, invasive ductal carcinoma — an aggressive form of breast cancer. Just two days later, we received the beautiful and unexpected news that I was pregnant.

Navigating both a cancer diagnosis and a pregnancy has been overwhelming, but also filled with moments of grace. I’ve chosen to receive care through Banner M.D. Anderson in Phoenix, where I feel confident in the team supporting me — including my OB-GYN, oncologist, and surgeon.

Because of the pregnancy, my treatment plan has had to be carefully adjusted. I wasn’t able to receive an MRI to assess the spread of the cancer, and I had to wait until my second trimester to begin chemotherapy, which allowed the tumor to grow. One of the chemo drugs can’t be administered during pregnancy, so I’ll continue treatment after delivery and before surgery.

I began chemotherapy on July 28th and receive weekly infusions. After 12 weeks, I’ll transition to four additional rounds of chemo every three weeks, which will take us right up to the baby’s arrival.

This fundraiser means so much to us — not just for the financial support, but for the love and strength it represents. We’re holding onto hope, leaning into faith, and trusting in the power of this little life growing inside me to help carry us through.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We’re so grateful for your support and can’t wait to see you at the event.

With love and gratitude,
Maddie Takacs

-Workouts-

Those who want to participate in the workouts will find a partner and each register through the link below. Teams can be coed or the same gender. The workouts can be scaled for anyone, and the purpose is to have FUN. This is not a competitive day, it’s all to support the family. Our first workout will be our infamous Prisonyard. This workout consists of alternating bench press and jogging with your partner. The second workout is titled Hot Tots. This workout is a short sprint consisting of burpees, sit-ups, assault bike, rowing, and bodyweight squats, all reps shared with your partner.

There will be plenty of rest between the workouts. This will allow participants to check out our vendors, and put in tickets for each raffle item. After the first workout we will raffle off various items. After the workout, we will raffle off the remaining items, meet Maddie and her family, and share some food together.

For those who have kids and want to workout, we will have childcare providers in our kids room so you can workout and not stress over your kids.

This is a family friendly event. Your friends and family are welcome to stop by, even if they’re not working out.

-Great Ways to Support This Event-

1. Grab a friend and register for the workouts!

2. Participate in the raffle and cheer your friends on who are working out.

3. Donate to support Maddie and her family. Money can be sent by Venmo to @tannerballen, or cash directly the day of.

4. Engage on social media and tag @journeytraining.