De Pere, Wisconsin – Hadley Danielle Baker, a beloved 12-year-old seventh-grader from De Pere, tragically passed away early this morning after a courageous battle with cancer.
Hadley had been fighting Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, since late July 2023.
Her diagnosis, which involved a tumor beneath her jaw muscle, left her and her family in a relentless fight for her life.
Throughout her journey, Hadley’s love for basketball and her involvement in the sport since childhood rallied the De Pere community behind her.
Fundraisers, messages of support, and acts of kindness flooded in from all around as Hadley bravely faced her condition.
She was recently honored with a varsity basketball letter by De Pere High School, a tribute to her strength and love for the game.
In her final days, Hadley was surrounded by her family, including her sisters, Lily and Macy.
They were with her when she passed, and her family shared that she was "at peace" in their arms.
School counselors from De Pere Middle School are now offering support to students and staff as they cope with the loss of this young life.
Hadley’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her community, as she touched the lives of many with her bravery and spirit.