It’s hard to imagine this would be your last week of 2nd grade. You were so anxious to get to kindergarten when DIPG struck our lives. I remember it was the first time you showed any signs of sadness with the disease. When the school bus pulled up to pick up Isabella that first day … Read More
Happy late Memorial Day. I thought it would be appropriate to share a few memories of Tommy’s diagnosis and his love for the US Army. While we were at CHOP, a group of soldiers from the Army came to visit him and provided him with an honorary enlistment into the Army. As you can tell … Read More
A little wink. That’s what parents hope to receive from their children who have left them too soon. It’s an indication that their child is okay. That they are still with them. And, most important, that they will see them again. Amanda Ruddy gets those winks from her son, Tommy, who passed away after a … Read More
This week brings another hard milestone without your presence, Isabella’s birthday. Hard to believe she’s turning 11 already and you’d be 8 by now! Gosh that seems so strange to think of you here at 8. We definitely miss your sweet smile and your silly ways that made every birthday even more special for your … Read More
Tommy’s favorite song during his fight was “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer. Andy caught wind of his story and even took time from his busy schedule to send Tommy an incredible video. When I heard his new song a few weeks ago, “Don’t Give up on Me” it brought me to my knees. … Read More
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
Dale Buist admits he had never heard of The ChadTough Foundation when one of his long-time employees at Countryside Greenhouse approached him about the 100-acre farm Allendale hosting the second annual RunTough For Team Tommy. But considering who was asking, Buist knew he couldn’t say no. Kurt Kruizenga‘s four children attend the same school that … 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
