When Hudson was 10 months old, his life – and ours – was placed in the hands of an extraordinary team.
Shortly after being referred to Children’s Hospital, the Childhood Cancer Program confirmed a large and aggressive tumour in his cerebellum and acted immediately.
Within hours neurosurgeons performed the first of two surgeries: relieving the immediate danger, then returning to precisely excise every trace of the tumour that they safely could.
That urgency and precision carried straight into treatment. Hand-in-hand with our family, the team wrapped around Hudson, supporting him through three rounds of intensive chemotherapy, followed by three rounds of high dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant at The Hospital for Sick Children.
“Hudson’s health care team was incredible. They instilled a confidence that helped us to move forward.”
– Nicole and Brent, Hudson’s Parents
We were surprised and alarmed when, in the midst of care, the Medical Genetics Program of Southwestern Ontario uncovered a bigger story. A rare cancer-predisposition syndrome was quietly threaded through our family line. Thanks to their diligence, both Hudson’s dad, Brent, and sister, Rylie, also have personalized surveillance plans that could save their lives.
Today, Hudson is two years old and receiving a gentler maintenance chemotherapy. Audiologists have fitted him with hearing aids to counteract chemo-induced loss, and we cheer as he crawls, chatters, and learns to walk.
Seeing Hudson play mini sticks, tease his sister, and charm everyone he meets feels nothing short of miraculous. We owe that miracle to the unwavering skill, compassion, and teamwork of everyone who was involved with his care – from oncologists and surgeons to music therapists and Ollie the therapeutic clown.
Our son’s future is bright because Dr. Chantel Cacciotti and Hudson’s entire care team refused to settle for anything less, pursuing excellence at every opportunity. Because of them, we are filled with hope.
Thanks to donor support through Children’s Health Foundation, Hudson and his family had access to programs and services that brought joy during their worst days.
