MEET HAGEN!

Hagen was just 18 months old when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. But thanks to the care he received at MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH) and Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Hagen is cancer free! Now 3 ½ years old, Hagen loves to be active- especially rock climbing and skiing! His mom, Brittney, shares the story of Hagen’s diagnosis and treatment at BBCH- including some awe-inducing numbers and adorable photos- below:

Putting our story into words is never easy. No parent ever imagines hearing the words “your child has cancer.” Everything changes in that moment and focus shifts 100% to your child and the unknown journey ahead.

Hagen was 18 months old when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. Being told to plan to spend the next 8+ months mainly at BBCH seemed crazy at the time. But it was true. BBCH became our second home. The team of doctors, nurses, and child life specialists became our second family. 

We spent countless hours walking laps around the floor while Hagen napped in a Brady Buggy – it was Hagen’s favorite thing. He rarely ever wanted to be in his room; which proved difficult on stays when we were required to stay in our room. 

Our little room at BBCH was always full of smiles and positive thoughts. We were often asked how we stayed so positive; my answer was always what else are we going to do…. mope around, hate the world, be mad at everyone for everything we’re having to endure? It just didn’t seem right to us. And we knew that our attitude would affect Hagen and his recovery. So, we were always kind and as upbeat as possible which led to our room being a place that nurses would visit on a rough day. Don’t get me wrong we definitely had days that were harder than others, but we found no reason to take that out on the people who are there to help our family. 

While we’re done with treatment, we still require MRIs every 3 months to ensure there’s no sign of disease returning. But overall, our life is back to normal. You would have no idea what Hagen has had to endure in his short 3 years. We could not be more thankful for the team and care we received while at BBCH. 

Numbers from Hagen’s time in treatment:

• 50 plus dressing changes (weekly, plus some)
• 6 rounds of chemo
• 1 stem cell retrieval 
• 1 stem cell transplant 
• 12 hospital admissions 
• Room #640 was the “Hagen Room” on the floor (but we stayed in 6 different rooms overall)
• 100+ days admitted to the BBCH
• 10 days in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)
• 5 ER visits 
• 4 Brady Buggies used
• Countless wagon naps 
• 14: the number of laps around BBCH to walk a mile
• 100+ miles walked in the hospital
• 8+ MRIs under anesthesia 
• 1 central line
• 1 gtube
• 1 transport in “Angel 1” (BBCH’s pediatric critical care ambulance)
• 3 walkers used
• Countless transfusions and shots