Tatum's Tales: Hudson

Welcome to Tatum’s Tales

Tatum’s Tales is a special place where we share the beautiful stories of children living with rare genetic diseases, syndromes, and other extraordinary challenges.

Parents submit their child’s story, and in return, I have the joy of photographing their little one during a complimentary mini session. These stories are more than just words — they’re powerful reminders of strength, love, and resilience.

I’d love for you to take a moment to read their stories, leave kind and uplifting comments to show your support, and share them on your Facebook or Instagram so even more people can be touched by these amazing children and their families.

If you’re new here, I invite you to start at the beginning and read Parts 1, 2, and 3 of Tatum’s Tales: https://www.sarahthompsonprice.com/tatums-tales-1/

Meet Hudson!

I’m absolutely thrilled to be back sharing these beautiful children’s stories with you. In October, I had the joy of meeting Hudson and his wonderful family. From the moment we met, I was struck by their kindness and warmth. They are truly one of the sweetest families. Today, I’m excited to share Hudson’s story with you—along with the beautiful photos from our time together. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it, hold this precious family in your prayers, and share Hudson’s story with everyone you know.

Hudson's Story

Hudson was born on Christmas Day of 2017. What a gift! To add to the uniqueness of his birthday, his mom was born on Christmas Eve! And just like his birthday, Hudson is quite unique indeed.

Hudson has Down Syndrome and severe autism, though the autism diagnosis didn’t come until much later. Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by having an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. So those with this diagnosis literally have extra genetic material, which is fascinating to consider. This “little something extra” causes physical characteristics and developmental delays, which can range from mild to severe. Common features include a flat facial profile,upward slanting eyes, hypotonia (low muscle tone), and intellectual and developmental delays.

The implications of his diagnosis began showing signs immediately upon his birth. He had difficulty breathing and heart irregularities. He couldn’t breastfeed, as he didn’t have the muscle strength required for it. For the first two weeks of his life, he stayed in the NICU. But he persevered and was able to finally come home.

Although his time in the hospital had ended, he was nowhere near done battling challenges that are not for the weak-hearted. At three months old, he began a wild ride of therapies every week, including physical, speech, occupational and feeding. He was also no stranger to what seemed like never-ending visits to doctors and specialists. Cardiovascular, Neurology, ENT, Cranial Technologies, GI, and orthotics, just to name some.

He started having surgeries for various reasons around 6 months old. At the time of this writing, Hudson is 7 years old and has had 8 surgeries total. Procedures ranging from having adenoids removed to implanting a gastronomy tube (G-tube). His G-tube was needed because he has severe food intolerances. Although we’ve done feeding therapy for 7 years, Hudson still will not eat solid food. It’s unclear whether or

not he will ever overcome his solid food intolerances but his family continues to give him therapy to work towards this goal. The most important thing is that he receives the nutrition he needs, which is now a reality with his G-tube.

With nutrition figured out the biggest challenge he faces now is probably lack of communication. He is completely non-verbal. We’ve tried signing for years but he’s never taken to doing the signs himself. Very recently, though, he has finally taken to using an AAC device (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) after 3 years of exposure. He can tell us very simple communication such as “eat, yes, no and tv”. This has been a huge game-changer for our family and we hope we can continue with this mode of communication for him.

Through all of the hardships he’s had to endure, Hudson remains the sweetest and most innocent human being. He’s incredibly affectionate and highly sensitive to the feelings of those around him. He loves hugs, kisses and high fives. And his smile is the most infectious smile. It’s so big and radiates just utter joy. To those he knows and trusts, he’s so free with his love. So ready to offer it in the simplest of moments.

His personality has really started coming out in the last year. He can be a bit of an instigator - walking up and jabbing you only to quickly walk away giggling. Like a “tag! I got you!” moment. He likes to put his foot on his Mom’s face, as he finds it hilarious. He absolutely loves music and has got some adorable dance moves. Dance moves that he’ll often break out as a way to get out of transitioning to another activity he doesn’t

prefer - like brushing teeth. The cuteness factor with him is just… he’s adorable. He really is.

Because of his sweetness and cuteness, he’s very popular at school. (Although he’s oblivious to it!). All of the kids are so sweet to him. His classmates fight over who gets to sit next to him for lunch or circle time. They all know him and are excited to say hi if we see them out in public. I think it’s because he has this vibe about him that’s very gentle and loving.

Hudson has taught our family so much over the years. It’s hard to truly put into words because it’s profound. He has had to fight for all of the things that a typical person just “does”. Nothing happened naturally or easily for him. Nothing happened without intervention. Every milestone of typical development has either still not happened for him or has only happened after years of intervention and him fighting for it week after week. He’s taught us to be truly grateful for all of our “typical” faculties. Walking, talking, eating, understanding our environments and situations. Most of us don’t even think about those things and subconsciously view them as a given. Now we know that’s not true for everyone and to have these abilities is a blessing.

He’s taught us resilience. Patience. Persistence. Hope. Courage in the face of fear. Selflessness. Determination. Acceptance. Flexibility. He’s also taught us blessings are to be found in the unknown. And even if you’re dealt a hand of cards that you weren’t expecting, joy still prevails. The human spirit prevails.

I think it was no mistake he was born on Christmas Day, as there truly is something special about him. To be his family and care for him is an honor.