Residents of Leominster, Massachusetts, surprised Hadley "Haddie B" Boucher — a young girl diagnosed earlier this year with a rare, inoperable brainstem tumor — with a community-organized "Haddie’s ‘Holly Jolly’ Christmas Parade." The procession ran from Leominster High School to the family home and featured decorated vehicles, festive participants and widespread neighborly support. A GoFundMe has raised over $240,000, and the family announced Hadley will begin a shorter round of radiation after Christmas. The Bouchers expressed deep gratitude for the emotional and financial support that has helped make the holidays brighter for their children.
Community Throws 'Haddie’s Holly Jolly' Christmas Parade for Girl With Inoperable Brainstem Tumor — GoFundMe Tops $240K
GoFundMeHadley Boucher
Hadley Boucher — affectionately known as "Haddie B" to family and friends — was surprised earlier this month by a community-organized holiday parade in Leominster, Massachusetts after receiving a diagnosis earlier this year of a rare, inoperable tumor on her brainstem.
GoFundMeHadley Boucher
Neighbors Turn Out to Celebrate Hadley
Residents of Leominster came together to stage "Haddie’s ‘Holly Jolly’ Christmas Parade," which began at Leominster High School and concluded at the Boucher family home. Dozens of decorated cars, neighborhood supporters and even dogs in festive ties processed along the route as friends and neighbors cheered, held signs and waved to the family.
GoFundMeHadley Boucher
“I’m just blown away. There’s no words that can explain this. With everything our family is going through, I think seeing her smile and everything light up is what we need to cherish these moments and memories.”
Fundraising and Community Support
A GoFundMe set up to help the family has raised more than $240,000 to assist with medical bills, travel and day-to-day expenses. Organizers describe Hadley as an active athlete who enjoys basketball and lacrosse, a devoted younger sister and a child whose "light shines in everything she does." The outpouring of generosity has provided both practical help and emotional comfort to the family.
Next Steps in Treatment
After reviewing recent MRI results, Hadley’s parents said they will move forward with another, shorter round of radiation therapy scheduled to begin after Christmas. In social media updates the family emphasized that their focus remains on Hadley — "loving her, fighting for her and holding our family close." They also thanked supporters near and far for the bags of letters and gifts that helped make the season brighter.
Status: Hadley is preparing to begin a shorter course of radiation after the holidays. Her family and community continue to rally around her, offering financial assistance and emotional support.
