MADISON, Wis. -- She's known for her striking features and that famous beauty mark.

But this weekend, supermodel Cindy Crawford was in Madison to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.

The devastation of pediatric cancer is known to many in Wisconsin, like Kate Ruppe, a mother of a 4-year-old boy who was diagnosed with childhood leukemia at 18 months. Ruppe said her son Jaxon's struggles are an on-going challenge.

"It's been tough. It's been tough for him and us. It's been a long process. It's been, it seems like forever," she said.

On Saturday, the Ruppe family joined other childhood cancer patients and survivors at Monona Terrace for the fourth reunion of Kids with Courage. Kids with Courage aims to celebrate the progress of science while stressing the effect that cancer has on a family, WISC-TV reproted.

Crawford, the honorary chair of Kids with Courage, said that she understand that effect firsthand as her brother Jeffery died of leukemia before his fourth birthday.

"You can't make up for the loss of your brother of sister, no matter what you do," Crawford said. "No matter how perfect you are, no matter what good grades you get."

Although her brother's life ended early, Crawford said that she believes that Jeffery received the best care possible at the University of Wisconsin so she continues to give time and money to the institution.

"When I was able to start raising money and awareness," Crawford said, "I was able to choose where do I want to give back in my life and this just was the first place that popped into my head."

Largely due to donations and the research it funds, childhood cancer survival rates are up, offering hope and support for families like the Ruppes, WISC-TV reported.

Jaxon Ruppe will finish his treatments for leukemia this November.