Le Bonheur Pumpkin Run
Jackson, TN
October 4, 2025
For almost a decade, 17-year-old Madi Bell, a Wildersville, Tenn., native, had battled excruciating headaches. Diagnosed with classic migraines by a Le Bonheur neurologist when she was in the seventh grade, her headaches could be managed with medication.
But four years later, her headaches became completely debilitating as her medications no longer controlled her symptoms. Madi’s eye started drooping, and she began losing her vision. Madi lost feeling in her feet, and she had to quit running cross country ─ a sport that she loved dearly.
Madi returned to Le Bonheur in Memphis and underwent an MRI that revealed the cause of all her pain and symptoms ─ a Chiari malformation. Madi’s brain was extending 17mm through the base of the skull and into her spinal canal, causing a buildup of pressure that led to the severe pain and other symptoms she was experiencing.
Madi and her family immediately met with a Le Bonheur neurosurgeon, who conducted surgery a few days later. He removed part of the first vertebra (C1) in her cervical spine to relieve the pressure in her brain and allow the spinal fluid to flow more freely, and performed a craniotomy, to remove part of her skull and relieve pressure.
Since her surgery, Madi’s debilitating headaches have declined in frequency and intensity. She continues to stay on medication and is monitored by her Le Bonheur care team. Thanks to Le Bonheur’s Outpatient Center in Jackson, Tenn., Madi will be able to have some of her follow-up appointments near her West Tennessee home.
For now, Madi is focused on recovery and returning to the activities that she loves like soccer and singing.
“My care team has given me peace of mind and hope that I can go back to what I was like before the migraines became debilitating,” said Madi. “My quality of life had decreased, and now I have hope that I can go back to being an active and social 17-year-old girl.”
Le Bonheur is proud to provide West Tennessee kids specialized pediatric care close to home. When you participate in this year’s Pumpkin Run, you are making a difference for kids like Madi.
400m Kids' Fun Run
Kids 10 and younger can participate in a 400m Kids' Fun Run starting at 8:00 a.m. at the official 5k start line. Those who participate will receive a ribbon.
This is a free event and you do not need to register unless you want a Race Shirt which is sold separately!
Virtual Run
If you prefer to compete virtually, you can! Complete your run between 6pm, October 3rd and Noon, October 6th, and log your time online. All times must be logged by Noon on October 6th. Run or walk your favorite route at your convenience and support Le Bonheur! Join participants from around the world as we help Le Bonheur patients and their families.
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Jackson Virtual
Not able to join us in person? Join us virtually. Includes shirt, shipping and optional virtual results submission.
-
$28.74
$25 + Processing Fee
Jackson 5K
Price changes in 1 month 1 day-
-
$28.74
$25 + Processing Fee
-
Contact information
- Event contact
- Courtney Allen
- Phone
- 901.287.5577