Today, Hudson is now 12 years cancer free and an active 13-year-old. He loves to play baseball, hang out with friends and try new foods. He also loves raisingawareness for CHOC: for many years, the Kent family — Eby, Mark, Troy, Hudson and Cole — has participated in CHOC’s Annual fundraiser, CHOC Walk in the Park.
When Hudson was born, Eby and Mark say that it was easy; he was a healthy baby.
At his 15-month check up, Eby and Mark asked Hudson’s pediatrician about a lump they had found on his stomach. After receiving an ultrasound, Eby received an urgent call with words no parent ever wants to hear: "I think your son has cancer."
Fortunately, Dr. Gholizadeh was able to remove the entirety of Hudson’s tumor; yet because the tumor was so large — roughly the size of a cantaloupe — Hudson needed to have chemotherapy to ensure that all the cancer cells were killed during the tumor’s removal.
Eby and Mark are awed by Hudson’s bravery during that time, especially at such a young age.
"When Hudson needed a scan or his blood drawn, he would take a few deep breaths and be patient while the nurse did what they needed to do," says Eby. "Afterwards, he would thank each nurse for helping him."
"The doctors and nurses were kind of amazing. My mom told me about a red wagon that the child life specialists used to pull me around to see the doctors. And that I would run down the hallway," says Hudson.
"During this tough time, I talked to a friend who also had a child doing chemotherapy treatments," says Eby. "I asked her, ‘How are you getting through it?’ She replied, ‘Because CHOC is great. You just have to put one foot in front of the other and trust in them, and everything will be OK.’"
To other families who may be going through a cancer journey, Mark advises, "Keep fighting."
Eby adds, "Even on your darkest day, there is a light. For us, that was CHOC, our community, our family and our friends. There are people who want to support you. You won’t feel alone if you allow the light to lead."
"CHOC was our guiding light," says Eby.
The Kent family’s CHOC Walk team, Team HHK, originated when Hudson was first diagnosed. When friends heard the news, they sprang into action to make t-shirts that said, "Team HHK ‘Say a little prayer for me.’"
Since then, donned in matchingsuperhero themed t-shirts, Team HHK — full of family and friends of the Kents’ — has participated in the CHOC Walk each year.
"It’s such a fun time to be with friends," says Hudson.
"One of my favorite CHOC Walk memories was when I was sitting on my dad’s shoulders and the announcer saw my sign and read my name off," he adds. "Then, he asked me how old I was and how long I had been cancer free."
Over its 31-year history, the event has raised more than $42 million for Orange County’s only pediatric health system. The event also has the distinction of being the largest and most unique pediatricfundraiser in the nation.
"We always say, ‘when you do the CHOC Walk once, you will do it forever,’" says Mark, Hudson’s dad. "It’s a powerful reminder of how lucky we are that Hudson beat cancer, and it’s an opportunity for us to support families who may have a sick child or have lost a child."
"The experience is surreal. It’s amazing to see how many people come together to support CHOC," says Eby, Hudson’s mom.
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