Hadley was born in May 2016. Her birth came urgently due to poor blood flow to her.  She arrived 15 weeks early, weighing only 1 lb 3 oz. She was so small she immediately gained the nickname "Hadley Bug". Hadley was a patient at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for almost 6 months. During that time, she faced many battles and a rollercoaster of diagnoses, treatments, and predictions about her survival. If Hadley proved anything during this time, it was that she was a FIGHTER! She beat the odds against poor blood flow, blood clots, potential loss of a limb, heart surgery at under 2 lbs, underdeveloped lungs, hernia surgery, and infections. Hadley was, quite honestly, a miracle baby.

 

Hadley beat all the odds stacked against her in early birth.  She came home after 177 days in the neonatal ICU. She grew and developed normally - achieving her motor milestones mostly on time despite her early start. Communication was never a concern for Hadley.  She loved to talk from an early age.  

 

For 4.5 years Hadley was a typical child - curious, energetic, funny, loving and kind.  At nearly 5 years old, after many months of vomiting with no known cause, Hadley was finally diagnosed with celiac disease.  Her parents could breathe again after finding out what was “wrong”.  But, that comfort was short-lived when it was discovered just months later that Hadley’s left retina had detached.  This was a complication from her early birth. The vision treatment, that was thought to be correct back then, came back and caused the detachment 5 years later.  Unfortunately, over time, the detachment became full and Hadley lost all vision in her left eye.  This poor child had been through so much by only 5 years old.  But the worst was yet to come....

 

On the morning of January 8, 2023, after weeks of feeling ill with massive headaches, weakness and vomiting. After multiple tests, pokes, prods, doctor and ER visits, Hadley was found unresponsive. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors found a very large brain tumor, the size of a hardball, on her brain's left side. She was immediately taken for an external shunt placement to remove the excess fluid on her brain to relieve pressure. The following day Hadley endured surgery that lasted over 10 hours; doctors were able to remove 85-90% of the tumor that was found to be malignant and fast growing. A nightmare for her parents to hear about their only child. She was given the horrible diagnosis of Diffuse Midline Glioma - the worst possible brain cancer. One that originates on the brainstem. But her army was not giving up on this warrior who had been through so much already in life.

 

Hadley bravely battled after surgery; re-learning how to walk, talk, eat, write, and do the simple functions she was once capable of.  Everything came back to maybe 80% of what her prior functions were - a huge feat that she conquered. Hadley then endured 30 rounds of radiation which shrunk the remaining tumor a bit. She was doing quite well for about 2 months after the radiation concluded. Playing again, running, jumping, eating, drawing and communicating well. She was happy. 

 

On May 8, 2023 she began a clinical trial of an oral medication in hopes to wipe the remaining tumor out for good. The trial started rough with Hadley getting sick from the medicine, but, in true Hadley form, she persevered.  She required a port placement for easy access for blood draws and any surgeries that might be required. 

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On June 1, 2023 Hadley graduated Kindergarten! What a special moment it was.  She stood in front of an entire audience on their feet applauding.  A true hero! 

 

On June 8, 2023 Hadley began presenting with an asymmetrical smile and a head tilt. After a strong recommendation to take her to the ER, it was revealed the original tumor that had shrunk, was now significantly larger and another tumor had grown in a different part of Hadley’s brain.  She was put on higher steroids and anti-seizure medication.  Her parents were told she would probably get her wings in a matter of only weeks. 

 

Many things happened in those weeks including visits from many family and friends, a “Father-Daughter Dance” and any food Hadley desired. Hadley's "Make-A-Wish" puppy even made an early arrival and was able to bond with her which was incredibly special. Her family shared so many hugs, kisses, cuddles and "I love yous". Along with many, many tears.....

 

On July 7th, 2023 at 8:37 PM, Hadley earned her angel wings. For just shy of 6 months, she courageously fought this devil cancer. With her parents Erin and Travis, her grandparents, her aunt/uncle, and both her beloved dog & new puppy by her side, Hadley found eternal peace, comfort and love.

 

We will never know why this unspeakable tragedy was a battle that was given to Hadley to fight, especially since she had to be a warrior since her day of birth. But one thing is 100% certain…this 7 year old girl had an immeasurable impact on the lives of so many. Hadley’s sweet, sassy and spunky personality brought laughter and love to those who had the honor of knowing her. And in her last 6 months of life, Hadley brought a community together in Hope and Love.

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And now YOU, having come to this site, are part of her journey!!  Her parents have created this website to keep her memory alive.  For those who never met her, or heard of her, now you get to know a radiant, loving, funny, sweet and amazing child. 

 

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