Hayden loved baseball, playing in high school and then for Vol State College. He was an exceptional pitcher, with pitches reaching 93mph. After his diagnosis, Hayden used his talent to help coach his little brother's baseball team. Earlier this month when he found out his cancer had returned, he referenced baseball saying, "It's time to get out my bat and start swinging again"
Hayden started a blog about his cancer on Caring Bridge in 2009 and it made him a bit famous. It was far-reaching and got comments from people across the country touching people's hearts. Hayden's blog on Saturday, May 9, 2009 read Day 3
“First of all I would like to say how much I truly appreciate the support all of you have gave my family and I. It truly is a blessing to have yourself surrounded by so many people who sincerely care about your well being.
“I am not going to lie, I was very skeptical about creating this website to expose myself for the whole world to see. I have always been somewhat reclusive and try to keep to myself. You avoid many unnecessary dramatic events this way. I never have been a fan of self photographs or bring attention to myself. I enjoy humbleness. But when it all came down to it and I thought all of this through, this turned out to be a great idea in my opinion. Never was any any of this to gain any sympathy, because that comes between s--- and syphilis in the dictionary. My goal for these entries was to be a true inspiration if nothing else to only one person and one person only. The weak can always become the strong. I only wish for one person to envision lifethe way it is projected through my eyes ever since my disease. Tomorrow is promised to no one, never settle for any regrets. Few people get second chances at life to fix mistakes, we do only go around one time. Think about someone you care the world for but you have too much pride to tell them. You can never take God, Family, Friends, and your Health for granted. If you do you will overlook every blessing that follows and confronts you each day. Listen to your heart as it speaks to you and follow it. It will never misguide and don't second guess your conscious for this is a tool from God. Today when you go home from your job and to your families and friends or whatever may be the case look them directly in the eyes and tell them how much you love them and how much they mean to you. Suprisingly they may not realize the extent and purity of your love and you may not have another day to do it over. Take a walk to ease the stress of your everyday world you live in with bills pilling up and the demands of jobs each day. Escape your mind for a moment and stop and meditate. As you escape admire God's art he has placed all around us from blooming flowers and plants to the eloquate green found only in the tall trees in the forest and fresh cut grass. Place aside your ego and help out someone who is in need whether you know them or not because it is just the right thing to do. I am no Saint and never have been, but I do know right from wrong and what it means to have a heart. These are the keys to the kingdom my friends and if you can truly seek out these things I have no doubt your life and our community will change in the blink of an eye as God smiles down upon us as he watches us fulfill his desires. Live with a purpose. Hayden Shrum”
On days he was too sick to write, his mother took over for him keeping his blog.
Hayden was the creator, director, and organizer of the 1st annual Mayfest held May 8. The event raised over $4,000 for the Cancer Foundation. He gave his all to make the event a success even though he had just found out he was about to start battling the diease for his own life a second time.
This young man was an inspiration with his cheerfulness and his strength while fighting for his life. His determination to repeatedly beat the odds doctors gave him prompted many to rally, organizing fundraisers and events that pulled the community together.
“Hayden was much loved by the entire community and was successful in every sense of the word,” said a close family member.
After being in ICU at Vanderbilt for the past several days, Hayden passed away with his family by his side.
“If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.”
Hayden will live forever being remembered by those young boys whose ball team he helped coach, remembered by those who spent a Saturday afternoon in the park at Mayfest, remembered by everyone who read his blog and found encouragement from his writing. Remembered by so many that he touched during his brief lifetime.
Hayden is survived by his parents David Shrum and Felisha Shrum, brother Holden Shrum, sisters Hunter and Halle Shrum, grandparents Bonnie Shrum and Paula Deering.
Funeral services were held Sunday, May 30, 2010.
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