Understanding the Impact: Hudson’s Story

For the longest time, Hudson didn’t want to be identified as a ‘cancer kid.’ He has more confidence now, and he’s proud of being a cancer survivor. Counseling was pivotal to achieving that.

Ellen, Hudson’s mother

At age 12, Hudson made headlines as an all-star Little League pitcher who could pitch as fast as 70 miles per hour. That would be a huge achievement for any pre-teen, but Hudson’s story is particularly remarkable—he led his team to first place while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for a malignant brain tumor. Though he thrived on the field, he was in great distress. Hudson’s mother, Ellen, says that the “emotional side effects” of cancer were challenging for Hudson. After chemo, his hair never grew back the same way, and his growth was stunted. Returning to school, he would get panic attacks when certain smells triggered flashbacks of chemo. “It was just incredibly isolating and intense,” Ellen says.

His therapy sessions with Dr. Dina Hankin were critical to his recovery—and to his entire family. “I can’t emphasize enough how critical it was to have Dina as part of his treatment. It was so important to have someone to turn to who understood his situation. I think it’s crucial that all families have access to therapy.”