Dear friends & family of Hudson,

Hello! My name is Ali & I have been friends with Hudson O'Connell & his family for most of his 22 years of life. I am also a neighbor & former teacher to Hudson. It has been heartbreaking for me & my family to watch this once bright, funny & kind young man face such an unimaginable health battle.

After years of health struggles, Hudson's health took a frightening turn this past spring. He began to lose his memory, motor skills & ability to perform basic tasks.

In late August, doctors finally identified the cause-- a devastating & rare neurological disease called Autoimmune Encephalitis. His rare condition causes his body's immune system to mistakenly attack the brain- leading to inflammation & causing confusion, memory loss, verbal & motor tics, personality changes, difficulty with movement/ coordination & an overall severe loss of function.

Hudson is now receiving treatment that offers real hope for recovery, but the road ahead is long and the costs are overwhelming. (which is why I feel called to help & raise money)

Hudson’s treatments, medications, and immunotherapies cost tens of thousands of dollars, most of which are not covered by insurance. His family is doing everything possible to provide him with the medical care he needs, but the financial strain is immense.

Funds raised here will go directly toward

• Ongoing medical and immunotherapy treatments

• Travel expenses to reach his specialized doctors

• Daily caregiving support for safety and basic needs

• Long term rehabilitation including physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychiatric therapy

Caring for someone with Autoimmune Encephalitis is an all consuming task. This disease ranks among the highest on the Caregiver Burden Index, higher than Alzheimer’s or cancer, and it affects every part of a family’s life. It is stressful, heartbreaking, exhausting, and frightening.

Please consider making a donation of any size to help Hudson get the treatments, care, and therapy he needs to recover. Every contribution brings him closer to reclaiming his independence, his health, and the life he deserves.

If you are unable to give financially, sharing this page with others who might be able to help would be deeply appreciated.

Thank you for standing with Hudson, for believing in his recovery, and for helping his family through this unimaginable challenge. We are stronger together!