About Us

What was believed to be only a minor cut that had been infected from adventuring out into the woods turned out to be the greatest obstacle that I have yet to face. What was thought to be a severe case of anemia from an overwhelming infection in my body was more severe than I could ever brace myself for. Monday May 4th 2009, was the biggest shock of my life. I was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. I have always been active and been involved with sports and took good care of my body.  So many days I have just sat pondering within myself the situation of shock and denial, thoughts I could never explain to you with words. 

However, today is a date I have actually been looking forward to. Today signifies the beginning of a soon to be end of treatments and being locked up in a hospital on a floor you can’t escape. The sooner I start my treatments the sooner it will all be over. This is a minor stepping stone in life that happens to us all, mine maybe was just a bit more unique. Thus far, I would love to thank everyone for the blessings and concerns they have had for me and my family. They have all been kind and thoughtful and I could never begin to express the inspiration you have given me.

In college baseball they teach you to be somewhat of an animal or a robot, so to speak. This is the attitude they try to instill in you to make you a man and ensure that you do not fold under pressure. Ty Cobb once said, “Baseball is a red blooded sport for red blooded people and all mollycoddles better stay the hell out.” I will never fold for the animal will forever live my soul.

Hayden Shrum May 7, 2009

 Faith, humbleness, inspiration, and a desire to help others were qualities that defined Hayden Shrum. Before and after Hayden was diagnosed with Leukemia, the impression he made on his family, friends, and community was undeniable. While his battle to Leukemia was lost in 2010 at the age of 23, the spirit and inspiration he had shown in his short life on earth, continues to touch more lives every day. Because of HAYDENFEST, a fundraising event to honor Hayden’s memory and to benefit those affected by cancer, area cancer victims and their families can recover from the unexpected and make strides toward becoming cancer survivors! 

HAYDENFEST is more than a one day event; we're serving our family, friends, and neighbors who are fighting cancer 365 days a year.  Because of support from our community, we are able to offer hope and help at a time when they feel hopeless and helpless.  100% of all proceeds go to Haydenfest.

HAYDENFEST helps families affected by any type of cancer who live, work, and or go to church in Macon County and/or the surrounding communities, special cases and are actively pursuing treatment. 

MAYFEST May 8th, 2010  Outdoor Music Festival

After several months of recovery, Hayden stated, “everyone has been so wonderful to me and I want to help other cancer patients and their families by holding a fundraiser and give back”, and he did just that on May 8, 2010.  

Hayden created, planned and hosted a successful funding raising event, MAYFEST Outdoor Music Festival. 

Unfortunately, Hayden’s Leukemia came back and on May 26, 2010, while preparing for a second bone marrow transplant, he lost his battle.  

As Hayden’s wishes were to hold fundraising events to benefit those affected by cancer, it was decided to carry on Hayden’s wish… As Hayden had called his first event MAYFEST and was planning an OCTOBERFEST, it was later decided to honor Hayden and now call this fundraising event HAYDENFEST.