Cape Breton family that started children’s charity suffers second tragic death

Jeff Wadden looks for ways to give back after the sudden passing of his wife Nadine.

It’s been a difficult few weeks for Jeff Wadden and his children after his wife Nadine Wadden passed away suddenly on New Year’s Eve.

“I took her to the hospital that day, and just due to complications from pneumonia that kind of spiraled out of control she passed away,” Wadden told CTV Atlantic on Wednesday.

It was the second terrible loss for the Wadden family. Jeff’s daughter Molly Wadden died from a form of cancer - Ewing sarcoma - in July 2022 at age 12.

“Things become crystal clear when you have these situations as to what’s really important and it’s not the stuff,” Wadden said. “It’s not the car. It’s not what phone you have. It’s what you’ve done in the world to make a difference.”

In her final months, Molly and her family kickstarted Molly’s Mission, a movement that raises funds for sick children.

Nadine spoke with CTV Atlantic about the support her family received from their Cape Breton community just days before her daughter passed away.

“Just knowing that they were there - it mattered,” Nadine said. “And so we want somebody else in those same shoes to know that there are people here.”

In May, Nadine Wadden and the rest of the family donated a bell to the pediatric unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Wadden said adjusting to life without his wife and taking care of their two children is a work in progress but he plans to keep giving back.

“Is the world a better place because you were in it? That is the question,” Wadden said. “And I want for it to be better because Nadine was in it. I know it’s better that Molly was in it and I hope it’s better that I’m in it, and I’m doing my best to make that happen.”

Wadden has a message for anybody who gets really sick.

“Don’t assume you’re going to get better because you believe you’re healthy or you believe you’re younger”, Wadden said. “Take the time. See a doctor. Go to outpatients.”

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