In January of 2017, seven-year-old Hudsen Wolfe was diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or otherwise known as DIPG. At the base of the brain, this inoperable tumor is one that is aggressive and extremely difficult to treat. With a survival rate of 0%, Hudsen was given 9 to 12 months to live.

According to Adian’s Avengers, a program in memory of Aidan who lost his fight to DIPG, doctors refer to this disease as the worst type of cancer, in the worst possible place.

While this tumor turned his body against him, Hudsen remained completely aware of what was happening. This tumor disrupted his breathing, swallowing, walking, eye movement, balance, and so much more. This tumor wreaked havoc on the innocent life he once had.

Hudsen and his family traveled back and forth to Penn State Hershey Medical Center for radiation while they anxiously applied for clinical trials. These trials, that were not covered by insurance, ranged upwards to $100,000.

The West York community, Hudsen and his family’s hometown, stood together and raised money on GoFundMe, through fundraisers, and even by the local high school setting up a T-shirt sale. The shirts, saying “Hope for Hudsen” in yellow, are still a symbol of the strength. A strength that Hudsen gave to everyone in West York.

Hudsen was truly the most selfless and kind-hearted little boy. During his battle with DIPG, he saved his own money to purchase his best friend a Nintendo Switch. Even through his own struggle, Hudsen wanted to see his best friend smile.

With tears in my eyes, I can honestly say that one of the toughest things I have ever seen was this same best friend walking into Hudsen’s funeral to say goodbye.

Hudsen, the warrior who never stopped smiling through it all, lost his battle in September. His trademark, giving those around him the middle finger, was one of the many things that showed just how big his personality was. Those in Hudsen’s life were the most important to him during his fight.

This article, as difficult as it was to write, is one that deserves to be written. Hudsen deserves to be heard. He deserves to live on through my words and hearts of those across the country. And he deserves to be remembered, not as just as a boy who lost his life, but as a child that was built of courage.

Hudsen was, and always will be, a hero who fought bravely against a disease that has taken, and continues to take, one too many children away from their family’s loving arms.

With roughly 200-400 children in the U.S diagnosed each year, including four to pass away on the same day as Hudsen, it is clear that this disease needs to be stopped. These families should not be turned away and told to make memories. These families should not be told to say goodbye.

According to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, pediatric cancer gets a total of 4% of federal funding. If you break it down, the rare tumor such as DIPG gets little to nothing. Research relies on the donations and dedication of those who are willing to join the fight.

Hudsen, and other children like him, are not just the unlucky one. They deserve more than a 0% chance. Hudsen deserved more than 9 to 12 months.