Childhood Cancer Heroes

You are here

Hadley Ludwig

Click the images to see them larger above!

Learn more about
Ependymoma

Get the facts about Ependymoma and how our research projects are making a difference.

Learn More »

At the age of 2, Hadley has overcome more challenges than the average toddler. Her independent personality and feisty spirit have made her quite the fighter, even earning her the nickname “Hurricane Hadley.” Her battles began with prematurity in the NICU, chronic ear infections, and speech therapy. At only 22 months, Hadley’s family braced themselves for a new battle with anaplastic ependymoma. Since then, Hadley has shown an abundance of strength for a girl of her size.

After a weekend getaway in the Pocono Mountains, Hadley’s parents thought it normal that their daughter seemed sleepier than usual. However, when she woke, Hadley vomited in her crib, and when taken out, couldn’t walk without falling over. As a nurse practitioner, Hadley’s mother knew something was very wrong. The nearest hospital redirected them to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where their lives were turned upside down. On October 29th, 2019, physicians discovered that Hadley had a brain tumor.

Fortunately, Hadley’s tumor was operable and a day after her diagnosis 100% of the tumor was successfully removed. Following the surgery, Hadley had two lumbar punctures to verify that the cancer was not present in her spine. After that, she began a series of 30 proton radiation treatments and three photon radiation treatments which concluded in early 2020.

Hadley maintained her spitfire personality around anyone in scrubs, making sure to let them know that her favorite word was “no”. Although most people in Hadley’s situation might have complained, she remained as happy as ever despite having to show up for radiation each day. Hadley has already demonstrated incredible resilience so early in her life.

Through all their trials, Hadley’s family has held tightly to a piece of advice they were given that their child is more than a statistic. Each child writes their own story, and Hadley is quite the author. From Hadley’s time in treatment, her family became aware that pediatric cancer research needs a great deal more funding and that the current survival rate for some brain tumors is simply unacceptable. Her family looks to organizations like Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) for hope to someday change those statistics.

Hadley’s parents’ dream of their daughter being cancer-free is now a reality. Although Hadley has struggled with septicemia, pineal cyst growth, and severe headaches – which she calls “boo boo head” – since her treatment, she continues to be a trooper. Since anaplastic ependymoma is known for tumor recurrences, regular MRIs are going to be the norm for her. After her recent MRI in December, Hadley was declared NED (no evidence of disease)!

Her 5-year-old brother, Kyland, continues to pray for her at night that all the bad cells in her brain never come back. A family friend also recently ran ALSF’s Virtual End Cancer Run/Walk in Hadley’s honor. Now, Hadley’s family hopes to see their strong-willed little girl lead a more normal life and find her own powerful place in the world.

Information provided by Krista-Dankiw-Ludwig, Hadley’s mom
Updated December 2020

Next Hero

Donate in Honor of Hadley Today!

Your donation helps to fund critically-needed research to find better treatments and cures for children with cancer.

Childhood Cancer Heroes

More Heroes

VIEW ALL HEROES
Jason is a high school student who plans to get a PhD in mathematics. When he was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. He had a rotationplasty, a surgery that saved Jason's leg, and his life. He's been able to remain active 13 years later!
Kaitlyn is a determined girl who is a bright light in a dark room! After what her family thought was a volleyball injury, Kaitlyn was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left femur. Recently, Kaitlyn sadly relapsed with the cancer in her lung.
McKenzie is a big prankster – while in the hospital, she would often silly string her nurses and doctors! She was diagnosed with both Hodgekin lymphoma and Supraventricular Tachycardia and went on a 15-week treatment plan. Today she has reached remission!
Kno’lan is a little guy with a BIG personality. He was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare cancer-like disease, and has relapsed three times. Today, his family is traveling to Texas in search of his cure.