Hudson-Spinal Muscular Atrophy fund

William Hudson Hand was born on October 29 2015 at 5:27pm. He had curly black hair and the biggest brown eyes. It was the best day of our lives! It was the day we truly found our purpose. Hudson was the picture of health, passing all of his screenings with flying colors. About four months into Hudson's life we started to notice that Hudson wasn't reaching his physical milestones. He had no head control and barely moved his arms or legs. When we brought this up with our pediatrician at his next appointment, we were told that all children developed differently and that Hudson would catch up. A month went by without significant change and we decided to get a second opinion. At this time we were told that Hudson did seem behind and that we should seek out help from a neurologist. This is when things stated to take a turn for the worst.
      At the neurology appointment we found out Hudson had no reflexes. That's when the fear really set in. We were told we needed to get his blood drawn to check for genetic disorders. Even then we never could have imagined what would happen next. After two of the longest months of our lives, the results were finally in. Our beautiful baby has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1. SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) is a disease that robs people of physical strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat, or breathe. It is the number one genetic cause of death for infants. We just couldn't believe that our perfect, happy, intelligent, never-even-had-a-cold baby was diagnosed with such a detrimental disease.
    Infants diagnosed with SMA type 1 are given a life expectancy of 2 years but we have seen proof that that does not have to be our situation. Even though it is still so hard for us to wrap our minds around, it is a reality. We plan on fighting to make sure our baby gets the help he needs and deserves but we need help too. We are currently seeking treatment from specialists that are out of state and at this time our only means of transportation is a 2 door coupe with over 200k miles on it. Hudson has to have a special car seat(bed) that lays flat along the back  seat because sitting up in a regular car seat is too hard on his lungs. The car bed doesn't fit in the coupe and with so many appointments local and out of state, a car for him to ride in is a necessity.  The expenses involved in his treatment are also all so overwhelming for our little family and Hudson needs help as soon as possible! My husband works 2 jobs to allow me to stay home and care for our son. This gofundme is so important to us because it will help allow my husband and I to spend as much time with our baby boy as possible and get him the care he needs and deserves. We will overcome this disease, and words would not be enough to express our gratitude to those that gave us a hand up when we needed it most.


Thank you all so much,
The Hand Family.