Community and school system rally around Massachusetts family after death of 7-year-old daughter

Sometimes the world can be a difficult place. Murders, anger, constant political fighting. It can sometimes test your faith in humanity. Then you see how a community comes together to help a family in their darkest moment.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, just over a year ago, the Boucher family of Lunenburg, Massachusetts faced an unimaginable journey. Their sweet then 6-year-old daughter, Hadley, was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor on her brainstem.

With help through a Facebook group and the fundraiser, the family shared updates and the difficult trials they were experiencing as the fundraiser crossed a whopping $270,000 in donations.

Haddie passed away last week after a courageous battle with DIPG.

According to an obituary, “Hadley was the kind of child who brought people together without even trying. Her smile made strangers feel like friends, her kindness made others feel seen, and her joyful spirit created warmth wherever she went. She had a heart far bigger than her seven years and loved deeply, freely, and without hesitation. To know Hadley was to love her.

“A proud first grader at Lunenburg Primary School, Hadley was adored by her classmates, teachers, and community. She approached life with bravery, curiosity, and a sweetness that touched everyone around her. Whether she was playing dek hockey and basketball, cheering loudly for the Boston Bruins and Red Sox, or laughing with her friends, Hadley embraced every moment with pure joy and enthusiasm.

“Throughout her illness, Hadley showed a level of courage and strength that inspired an entire community.”

Speaking of that community, in addition to the large amount of money raised through the fundraiser, a green bow campaign started late last week with the bows seen everywhere from poles to school buses in honor of little Haddie.

On Monday, Lunenburg Public Schools also made a touching announcement and gesture.

“As you know, our community is deeply mourning the heartbreaking loss of our beloved first-grade student, Haddie B. In her short time with us, Haddie brought our entire community together in extraordinary ways. From wearing green to holding onto “Hope for Haddie,” she truly became a beacon of strength and inspiration for all of Lunenburg.

“Haddie’s funeral services are scheduled for this Friday afternoon, June 5. Many of our staff members deeply loved Haddie and her sisters, and it is vital that they are able to attend the services to show their love and support for the family during this unimaginably difficult time.

“To allow our staff the opportunity to grieve and stand with Haddie’s family, we will be implementing a district-wide half-day this Friday, June 5, 2026. We fully recognize that an unexpected schedule change can create logistical challenges for our families.

“In times of profound sorrow, the strength of our Lunenburg community is our greatest comfort. Please continue to keep Haddie’s family, friends, and teachers in your thoughts and hearts. Should your child need support processing this loss, please do not hesitate to reach out to our school counseling team, who are ready to assist our students in any way they need.

“In Partnership, Jodi L. Fortuna Ed.D, Superintendent Lunenburg Public Schools”

To show the type of people the Bouchers are, they used their daughter’s obituary to help a family similar to theirs. “In lieu of flowers please consider a donation for Patrick, a 10-year-old boy who is bravely fighting the same fight as Haddie. https://gofund.me/dd00fa295.”

While the death of someone so young can be described as nothing but tragic, to see how strangers can come together to help a family in need, it restores your faith a little in people.

When you see people on social media at each other’s throats, think of Lunenburg and little Haddie Boucher.