Mass. town lights up green for 7-year-old girl who died from inoperable brain tumor

The city of Lunenburg gathered Friday to honor the life of Hadley Boucher, a 7-year-old girl who died last month from an incurable brain tumor.

“Hadley was the kind of kid who brought people together without even trying. Her smile made strangers feel like friends, her kindness made others feel seen, and her cheerful spirit created warmth wherever she went.” Obituary He reads. “She had a heart much bigger than her seven years, and she loved deeply, freely, and without hesitation. To know Hadley is to love her.”

Boucher, known as Hadi B, died on May 27 after a fight with… Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare but highly aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. DIPG primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 10, and about 300 children are diagnosed each year, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Last year, when Boucher was diagnosed, a family friend created a website GoFundMe page she has. With an initial goal of $100,000, the fundraiser has now received more than $275,000 in donations.

Boucher’s diagnosis led to the launch of the “Hope for Hadi” movement to raise awareness for her and her family. From then on, people from Lunenburg and Leominster, where Boucher was born, began Join together To show support that has only grown.

Green became the color that represented the movement, and after Boucher’s death, so did both communities Covered in green lights In her honor. This included Leominster City HallWith the help of city electricians.

Funeral services for Boucher, a Lunenburg Public Schools first-grader, were held Friday. To give the community time to grieve and attend services, the district has implemented a half-day in all schools.

“Many of our staff deeply loved Hadi and her sisters, and it is important that they are able to attend services to show their love and support for the family during this unimaginably difficult time,” said Judy Fortuna, Superintendent of Lunenburg Public Schools. On Facebook. “In times of profound grief, the strength of our Lunenburg community is our greatest solace.”

The city of Lunenburg also paid tribute to Boucher on social media, noting that she “touched the lives of so many residents, students, staff and community members.”

“Today, the Town of Lunenburg joins our community in remembering Hadley “Haddie B. We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, Derek and Alyssa, her sisters Olivia and Peyton, as well as her extended family and loved ones,” the town said. On Facebook. “We ask that you keep her family in your thoughts as they come together to honor and celebrate her life today.”

Boucher is survived by her parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents and grandmothers, according to her obituary. She is also survived by “countless extended family members, friends, classmates, teammates and supporters who loved her dearly.”

“Although Hadley’s life on earth was short, her love was immense. She left behind a legacy of compassion, strength, joy and togetherness that will continue to live on through every person she touched,” Boucher’s obituary read. “Her laughter will echo in cherished memories, her spirit will live on in acts of kindness, and her love will forever surround those who were fortunate enough to know her.”