Crowley, LA – At just 19 years old, Hayden Ruffner is defying the odds. Despite being diagnosed with terminal osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, at the age of 16, Hayden is channeling his experiences into a mission to support others facing similar battles.
Osteosarcoma accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States annually, according to the American Cancer Society. For Hayden, the road to diagnosis was long and difficult. Several doctors and hospitals were unable to pinpoint the cause of his symptoms, and it wasn’t until he was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that his condition was finally identified. However, despite undergoing chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, his illness remains terminal.
“We were frustrated and felt hopeless,” said Nicole Hayes, Hayden’s mother. “There was little research on osteosarcoma, and the support just wasn’t there like it is for other cancers, such as breast cancer or leukemia.”
This lack of resources inspired Hayden and his family to take action. “Hayden always said he had a purpose, and we felt like maybe this was it—helping other families who are going through the same thing,” Hayes said. That sense of purpose led to the creation of Hayden’s Corner, a nonprofit ice cream and coffee shop that opened in August 2024 in Crowley, Louisiana.
The shop serves as both a business and a beacon of hope for families battling osteosarcoma. Hayden, who continues his fight against cancer, works at the shop on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he travels to McNeese State University in Lake Charles to pursue a business degree.
“My journey is about following God and having deep faith,” Hayden explained. “With so little time left, I feel it’s the only way I can accomplish so much. It’s not always easy juggling school, the shop, and my treatments, but helping others is more fulfilling than anything else.”
One of Hayden’s main goals is to raise funds for osteosarcoma research, an area he believes is critically underfunded. He is also passionate about raising awareness to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment, as he experienced in his own case.
Despite enduring numerous surgeries, including two leg surgeries, five lung surgeries, and aggressive chemotherapy, Hayden remains positive and committed to his cause. His mother, Nicole Hayes, describes him as “the happiest person in the world” despite the hardships he faces.
“To hear him say he just wants to live long enough to graduate college and see the families he’s helping through Hayden’s Corner is truly remarkable,” she said.
In addition to the shop’s proceeds, Hayden’s family creates and sells handmade items—including candles, bath bombs, and wristbands—to further raise funds for the cause. Hayden’s sister, Simone Dogie, is also deeply involved and encouraged others to reach out for support: “If you know a family with a child diagnosed with osteosarcoma, we want to help. We just know God will lead us to the right families.”
Hayden’s Corner not only provides a source of income for ongoing research but also aims to offer immediate financial assistance to families affected by osteosarcoma. “We want to ease some of the financial burdens for families and hopefully fund research that will put an end to this childhood cancer,” Hayden said.
As the third of seven children, Hayden is viewed as a hero in his family. “He’s showing all of us what true strength and resilience are,” his mother added.
Hayden’s Corner is located at 516 N. Parkerson Ave. in Crowley, Louisiana, and is open daily. All proceeds from the shop go toward supporting research for osteosarcoma and assisting affected families.
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