A Massachusetts town lit up in green and held a half-day at schools as communities remembered 7-year-old Hadley Boucher, who died May 27 from an inoperable brain tumor. Her family’s “Hope for Haddie” effort drew more than $275,000, and Friday’s funeral brought
On Friday, the town of Lunenburg came together under a color meant to last.
Green lights were switched on in honor of Hadley Boucher, a 7-year-old girl who died May 27 after a battle with an inoperable brain tumor. Her obituary described her as “the kind of child who brought people together without even trying,” writing that “to know Hadley was to love her.”
Boucher. affectionately known as “Haddie B. ” died from 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 every year. according to the National Cancer Institute.
Last year, after Boucher was diagnosed, a family friend created a GoFundMe page with an initial goal of $100,000. The fundraiser has since collected more than $275,000 in donations. From that point. her diagnosis became the spark for the “Hope for Haddie” movement. created to raise awareness for her and her family.
As that support grew, the color green took on a new meaning for people across Lunenburg and Leominster—where Boucher was born. After her death, both communities were covered in green lights. The tribute included Leominster City Hall, with the help of city electricians.
Friday’s remembrance also shaped the school day. Funeral services for Boucher—who was a first-grade student at Lunenburg Public Schools—were held with the district implementing a half-day at all schools so staff and students could attend and grieve. Lunenburg Public Schools Superintendent Jodi Fortuna said on Facebook that many staff members “deeply loved Haddie and her sisters. ” adding that it was “vital that they are able to attend the services to show their love and support for the family during this unimaginably difficult time.” She wrote that “in times of profound sorrow. the strength of our Lunenburg community is our greatest comfort.”.
The Town of Lunenburg also paid tribute on social media. saying Boucher “touched the lives of many residents. students. staff. and community members.” In a post addressed to the community. the town extended condolences to Boucher’s parents. Derek and Alyssa. and to her sisters. Olivia and Peyton. as well as “her entire extended family and loved ones. ” asking residents to “keep her family in your thoughts as they gather to honor and celebrate her life today.”.
Boucher’s obituary said she is survived by her parents and sisters, along with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and great-grandmothers. It also said she leaves behind “countless extended family members, friends, classmates, teammates, and supporters who loved her dearly.”
Even as the town’s lights turned green for her. the words in her obituary offered a way to measure what remains: “Although Hadley’s life on earth was brief. her love was enormous.” It said she leaves a legacy of “compassion. strength. joy. and togetherness” that will continue through the people she touched. and that “her laughter will echo in treasured memories. ” while “her spirit will live on in acts of kindness.”.
Hadley Boucher Lunenburg Leominster DIPG diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma Hope for Haddie GoFundMe green lights