Louisiana Back Porch Talk: Hayden Ruffner's Fight with Osteosarcoma and His Mission Behind Hayden's Corner

Full interview with Hayden Ruffner owner of Hayden's Corner

In the heart of Crowley, Louisiana, there’s a little spot serving more than just coffee and ice cream—it’s serving hope. Hayden’s Corner is the vision of 20-year-old Hayden Ruffner, a St. Jude patient who has been battling osteosarcoma for the last five years.

Osteosarcoma is a rare and aggressive bone cancer, one without a dedicated treatment. For Hayden, that means undergoing treatments designed for other cancers, facing countless setbacks, and enduring long hospital stays. But if you meet him, you’d never know the weight he carries. Hayden radiates positivity, joy, and a desire to help others.

Opening Hayden’s Corner was his way of turning his struggles into something bigger than himself. Every purchase—whether it’s a latte, an ice cream cone, or both—helps support families walking the same difficult road Hayden knows all too well. Because osteosarcoma is rare, there are fewer organizations stepping in with financial support. Hayden wanted to change that.

“From 5 o’clock to midnight I just try to do something—not waste time,” Hayden shared. “That’s the biggest thing—not wasting as much time as I can, because I just don’t know how much I have on this planet.”

Helping people is what makes Hayden happiest. It’s his way of finding purpose in the midst of hardship. Beyond his shop, Hayden’s faith is central to his life. He openly shares it with others and finds strength in encouraging those around him.

Hayden’s Corner isn’t just a café—it’s a place built on kindness, resilience, and faith. With every sip and every scoop, customers aren’t only treating themselves; they’re fueling Hayden’s mission to raise awareness, support families, and bring light to a fight that desperately needs more attention.

Hayden's Mission needs our support

If you're in the Crowley area, you can stop by Hayden's Corner located at:

516 SE Court Circle Crowley, Louisiana

You can also make donations or become a sponsor online at www.haydens-corner.com

Every purchase, every donation, and every shared story brings Hayden one step closer to his dream: raising awareness of Osteosarcoma and supporting families walking the same path he knows so well.