Become Hadden’s Hero Today! 💙

Help Support Hadden Shifflett & His Family

Hadden Shifflett is a 17-year-old senior at Monticello High School, and he’s been bravely fighting an incredibly aggressive form of colon cancer. He was diagnosed on July 27, 2024, and since then, Hadden has endured more than any young person should ever have to.

Despite undergoing chemotherapy and receiving TPN nutrition through a port, his condition continues to worsen. He’s not able to tolerate even basic treatments now. On April 5, 2025, Hadden was released from the hospital and placed on hospice care.

Hadden has already faced many hardships in his life, and now, in what should be a season of celebration and hope for the future, he is instead facing the unimaginable. We're doing everything we can to make his days brighter and more comfortable, but the road has become even more difficult.

His mother, Niki Deane, hasn’t been able to work as she stays by his side around the clock. The family is down to a single income, and currently without a stable home. They’ve been staying with a family member, but the situation is far from ideal. Hadden does not have his own room or bed.

We are asking for support to help with:

• • Gas and food for the family
  • A safe place to live where Hadden can have a bed and comfort
  • Daily support during hospice care
  • Other expenses that may come as he transitions into hospice care

No donation is too small, and every bit of support helps ease some of the burden this family is carrying. If you can’t give, please consider sharing this page so others might.

Let’s surround Hadden and his family with love, compassion, and tangible help during this heartbreaking time. Join us and become Hadden’s Hero!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. 💛

Hadden's Heroes Team:

Mary Kelly and Paula Loving (Hadden's Teachers)

Bre Lundgren, LPC (Hadden's Mental Health Counselor)

Adam Southall and Brittany Gentry (Hadden's School Counselors)

Terry Tomlin (Hadden's Nurse)

Joe Weaver (Hadden's Social worker)

James and Niki Deane (Hadden's Parents)

UPDATE April 9, 2025:

I have started writing this update many times today, but kept erasing and restarting. I want to find the right words, but I know there are no "right" words in such circumstances.

It is with great sadness that I share that Hadden passed away late yesterday afternoon. Yesterday morning, he began to experience a rapid decline. Pastor Dave Webb from Southside Church of God baptized Hadden, as Hadden had accepted the Lord in his heart and had wanted to be baptized.

Another one of his goals was to graduate, so members of Hadden's Heroes at the school (listed in the original post), principal Beth Costa, VP Lisa Peregoy, Rob Garland, one of his beloved teachers, James McClung, went to his apartment to have a bedside graduation. We joined his parents Niki and James Deane, his brother Thurston, his aunt and uncle Christina and Chris, and his close friend Brittney to conduct his own personal graduation ceremony. Through tears, we cheered and clapped for his achievement- the first graduate of the 2025 Monticello High school class.

After his graduation, Hadden continued to decline. Hospice nurse Devon took great care to make sure he was not suffering. His parents, brother, and loved ones surrounded him and held him as he listened to his favorite Jelly Roll songs and gently left this earth.

We have decided to keep the Fundraiser up for now, as Hadden's wishes have always been to take care of his parents, and to not leave them struggling. Hadden was unlike any teenager I have worked with during my career as a counselor to teenagers. In a stage were it is developmentally appropriate to be selfish, Hadden just... was not. Even when encouraged to think about himself, he always put his loved ones first, especially James and Niki.

Over the weekend, when I talked to him about the fundraiser, I was able to update him about the donations and words pouring in. I want you all to know that your words and generosity gave him comfort- he wants his parents to have stability and a home, and now that is possible.

Besides Hadden's selflessness, he was also a person who loved deeply and completely. The people who were blessed to really know him have been forever changed for having been in his life. It is of some solace to know that in his last days, we were able to talk to him and share that. We will not forget him. He lives on in all of us who loved him.

His mother Niki shares this: "Hadden's bright smile and soul are truly missed and felt by many. He was our gift and blessing to have for 17 years." She does not want him to be forgotten, and is considering creating a foundation or scholarship in his name.

In one of his homework assignments during his cancer battle, Hadden wrote: "When I was alone in my thoughts I became depressed because I had too much time to think. I think being by yourself gives you too much time to be in your own thoughts and it is sad. Now I am surrounded by more people than I have ever been and even though this may not be the best time in my life I am more happy."

[Hadden was reading a book and this was his thoughts on the protagonist's thoughts on giving]: "In giving I

connect with others: I think she is saying that she believes that she would rather give to others instead of receiving from others. I think a lot like this. In fact I am uncomfortable with what other people give to me. I like to be the one doing for others."

To everyone who has given generously and reached out with words, support, and offers of help, thank you so, so much. Niki has been moved to tears many times with your words and donations. It is appreciated more than words can convey.

The family also wants to thank the Yellow Door Foundation. This foundation generously supplied them with an emergency apartment for Hadden and his parents after being discharged from the hospital, where they could stay until they find a place to live.

The Freefunder donations go directly to the family. Niki repeats her gratitude. After being out of work for months with Hadden, these funds can help them get in a stable place and make arrangements for Hadden's funeral services.