Girl Diagnosed with Inoperable Brain Cancer Surprised with Special Christmas Parade: ‘We Need to Cherish These Moments’

Hadley Boucher — known to her family as “Haddie B” — received an unforgettable holiday surprise this month.

In Leominster, Massachusetts, neighbors and local supporters came together to host “Haddie’s ‘Holly Jolly’ Christmas Parade” in her honor. The event was organized for the young girl after she was diagnosed earlier this year with a rare, inoperable tumor on her brainstem.

The parade kicked off at Leominster High School and wrapped up at the Boucher family’s home. Along the route, a festive procession of decorated vehicles rolled by, with dogs sporting holiday ties and the community showing up in force to cheer the family on.

“I’m just blown away,” Hadley’s mother, Alyssa Boucher, told local outlet WFXT. “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.”

According to a GoFundMe created to support the family, Hadley is the youngest of three children and an avid athlete who loves playing basketball, lacrosse, and more.

“She’s bright, sweet, and absolutely beautiful — a little girl whose light shines in everything she does,” the organizer wrote. “She’s a fierce competitor on the field and a true cuddle bug at home.”

The fundraiser also notes that Hadley “treasures every moment spent with her two big sisters,” and that she shares close bonds with extended family members who care deeply for her.

So far, the fundraiser has raised more than $240,000. Hadley’s father, Derek Boucher, shared how much the outpouring of support has meant.

“It’s really overwhelming,” he told WFXT. “Overwhelming that there’s just no words, but it’s what life’s about.”

In a recent update on Facebook, Hadley’s parents said that after reviewing her most recent MRI results, the family has decided to “move forward with another, shorter round of radiation, set to begin after Christmas.”

“The support over the last seven months has meant more than words can say. Right now, our only focus is Hadley. Focusing on loving her, fighting for her and holding our family close,” they added.

The family is also leaning into the season by making holiday memories together. They said they’ve received “bags and bags” of letters from people near and far.

“Thank you,” another social media post read, “for helping make this Christmas so magical for Haddie and her sisters.”