The family honors the deceased son with the “Strong Like Hudson” happiness campaign

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“You will become a part of this club that nobody wants to be a member of,” said Jessica Lais. She and her husband Barrett are high school favorites. Barrett, an Arkansas alum and former razorback golfer, is the assistant head coach of the Arkansas men’s golf team. They met in Joplin and married in 2010 and welcomed their first child, a little boy named Hudson, in 2011. “Unfortunately, when Hudson was born, he was without oxygen for a while and was born with a really serious brain injury,” Lais said. The brain injury caused Hudson to develop severe cerebral palsy and a grim prognosis for his future, which, however, would not result in him living in the present. “He always had a smile on his face,” says Barrett Lais of his son. “He was always happy, especially with all the challenges he faced from being in pain from his injuries.” When Hudson was four years old, doctors told Jessica and Barrett that there was not much more to do. You’d have to organize hospice care, but not before a final trip to Florida – a Lais family tradition. This time, Make-A-Wish granted Hudson a special day at sea, a private boat ride with the family in tow. “He was the happiest he could have been in his entire life,” recalled Barrett Lais. Being in the water allowed Hudson to feel weightless. “What a gift they gave us,” says Jessica Lais of the wish. “I had this moment that I will take with me forever. When I think back to that day, it’s single-handedly my favorite. ”This vacation would be the family’s last with Hudson. He died on March 10, 2016, shortly after he was five years old. Now Hudson’s soul lives on through the happiness his family spreads. Jessica and Barrett have chosen to honor their son’s hopeful disposition by spreading what they call “happy”. “Strong Like Hudson” is a pay-it-forward campaign where the Lais family encourages others to bring joy and happiness to Hudson’s birthday every February 13th. He would be 10 years old this Saturday. Spread a happiness by sharing an act of kindness, print out this card to go with your “happiness,” then share your efforts on social media using # StrongLikeHudson Fundraiser for Make-A-Wish after so far five wishes for children in need have been sponsored.