ANN ARBOR, Mich. — For as long as it’s been diagnosed, rare pediatric brain cancer Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG, has been a death sentence. It was for Chad Carr, grandson of legendary Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr, and it has been for a handful of families in Michigan. “For a family to hear … Read More
Tom, Amanda, and Isabella Ruddy – a ChadTough partner family – were guests at West Michigan Whitecaps’ “Rivalry Night” on August 16 to honor son and brother, Tommy, who passed away after an 11-week battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Half of proceeds from the night were awarded to The ChadTough Foundation.
HUDSONVILLE, Mich. – In 2016, Tommy Ruddy was diagnosed with DIPG, a rare form of brain cancer only 300 children fall ill with worldwide each year. Throughout his treatment, Tommy remained – like his Mom and Dad – a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan. He even kept in contact with players like Jordan Matthews while in … Read More
On Friday night, at every ballpark in America, kids like Pittsburgh’s Darren Dunlap, who are fighting cancer bravely, got to be apart of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night. Darren’s story is an uplifting one, as she is back in school as she still fights leukemia, surrounded by an enormous support system. Support, comes in many ways. … Read More
Today, May 17, 2017, is Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Awareness Day in Michigan. We recently had the opportunity to talk to Amanda Ruddy about her son Tommy‘s battle with DIPG. DIPG is a brain tumor that is typically diagnosed in children between the ages of 5-7. There are about 300-350 new cases per year … Read More
LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — In the fall of 2016, tragedy struck the Ruddy family. Tom and Amanda Ruddy‘s 5-year-old son, Tommy, was diagnosed with a rare, inoperable form of brain cancer. After a hard-fought battle, little Tommy ‘gained his angel wings,’ dying on Nov. 3. “We never thought this would happen. It can happen to … Read More
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A 5-year-old boy whose bravery in battling cancer united the Hudsonville community has died. A Facebook page dedicated Tommy Ruddy of Hudsonville announced Thursday that he had passed away. “Tommy gained his angel wings today at 12:06am in his home surrounded by love and family. He fought so brave and … Read More
HUDSONVILLE, Mich. – A young boy profiled in September for his fight against a brain tumor has died. Tommy Ruddy died just after midnight according to the Team Tommy Army Strong Facebook page. Tommy was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG in August. It’s an incurable and aggressive type of tumor brought to … Read More
