Hayden Fest Benefit Concert, May 31

Hayden Shrum, who passed away in May of 2010 from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, spent his last months planning this cancer awareness event, then called ‘Rockin’ the Park for Cancer Awareness.’ The event was a huge success, and friends and family have carried on the young man’s dream by continuing to host the outdoor music festival in his memory every year since his death.

Now entitled “Hayden Fest” the festival focuses on Hayden’s love of music and passion for helping others who are battling cancer. 

Musical entertainment this year will feature Country Music Star Bucky Covington & Medrock, who will join Hayden Fest in raising funds for area cancer victim’s and their families so they can recover from the unexpected and make strides toward becoming cancer survivors.

“Tomorrow is promised to no one…and few people get second chances at life to fix mistakes…” Hayden entered these words in his caring bridge journal on May 9, 2009, and one year later, on Wednesday evening of May 26, 2010, he departed this life. Someone said he looked at his situation as a time to reflect and learn how to see, how to think, how to help, and in his own words, how to feel in ways he never knew before…rejuvenated by the grace of God.

Hayden’s love for sports and writing led him to become a part-time summer sports writer here at the Macon County Chronicle, where he expressed a growing interest in journalism and photography. 

He was born on November 17, 1986, and on May 4, 2009, Hayden received the biggest shock of his young life when he was diagnosed with leukemia. It was said that he spent the last year of his life living every day to the fullest and tried to enrich the quality of life for everyone he met. This young man certainly made a deep impression on people and although he may be gone, he will never be forgotten.

Tickets are $15.00 and 10 & under are free. There will be great food, kid events, and a live auction including an autographed guitar and more. 

Advance tickets are available at these locations: State Farm Offices in Lafayette & Portland, Macon County Board of Education in Lafayette, and North Central offices in Lafayette & Westmoreland.

“Join us for live music, great food and great times while helping someone…”