Maddox was a quiet, reserved, and incredibly smart boy. He was a brother, a friend, an athlete, a student, and a very accomplished junior golfer.

He began his golf journey at The First Tee of West Virginia when he was only 4 years old. From there, he became a fixture in local U.S. Kids Golf tournaments. As he grew, Maddox’s exposure to golf continued through the Callaway Tour, middle school golf, and eventually he made his way to the Junior Tour powered by Under Armour. His skill carried him all the way to the 2023 Under Armour Summer Junior Nationals.

In August of 2023, Maddox entered his freshman year excited for big things on the high school golf team. He had won back-to-back championships at the middle school level and competed with exceptional golfers at PGA National that summer. But just weeks into his freshman golf season, he began experiencing back pain. At first, his parents assumed that the pain was the result of long hours of golf practice and play.

By Thanksgiving, the pain became debilitating, and Maddox was admitted to the hospital. After multiple MRIs, an emergency surgery on his lumbar spine, the discovery of a large tumor, and a transfer to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, his official diagnosis came in early December: stage IV alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

His treatment began immediately. Each week, Maddox and his family traveled from Charleston, WV to Cincinnati for his chemotherapy. After six months, scans revealed that the cancer had spread to his brain, an uncommon occurrence for rhabdomyosarcoma. One day, on their drive to Cincinnati to begin full brain and spine proton therapy, Maddox said, “I don’t think I’m going to make it out of this.”

Maddox was almost 16 years old and involved in every decision about his care. His parents told him, “We know the odds are not in your favor, but we’ll never stop praying that you’re the boy who beats them.”

Maddox responded, "Ok but, if I’m not the one, then try to make sure that someone learns something from me."

Maddox was right.

Despite major back surgery, four different chemotherapy protocols, three weeks of full brain and spine proton therapy, and multiple sessions of traditional photon radiation, his cancer continued to spread. In December 2024, a year after his diagnosis, it became clear the cancer would take his life. That was when Maddox made the decision to stop all further treatment.

On December 31, Maddox’s parents honored his wish and brought their brave, faithful, and wise boy home. Surrounded by his brothers, extended family, friends, and community, Maddox spent his final weeks in the place where he felt safe. He died at home on January 24, 2025, at the age of 16.

Since that day, his parents have worked tirelessly to keep the promise they made to their son.

The Maddox Potter Foundation was created to ensure that Maddox’s potential and purpose lasts well beyond his 16 years. The foundation provides financial assistance to families affected by childhood cancer, supports sarcoma research, and encourages the growth of junior golf – one of Maddox’s greatest loves.

Maddox asked for people to learn from him after he was gone, but what he didn’t realize is that he was already teaching.  One day, when Maddox had received yet another disappointing scan result and his parents were praying about how they should move forward he said, "If God needs to keep me here, he will. If not, then I'll go."

He showed those around him what it looks like to accept, with grace and steadfast faith, an outcome beyond your control. He showed that faith cannot be swayed – even when nothing is going your way.

Maddox's favorite bible verse was Romans 8:18. "The pain you are feeling now, cannot compare to the joy you will feel later." His family holds tight to that promise every day.

Information provided by Jennifer P., Maddox’s mom
Updated September 2025