Ty Hudson’s bedroom in Weatherford is a sports enthusiast’s dream, adorned with signed baseballs, trading cards, jerseys, and more.
“That’s LeBron James’ rookie card,” Hudson pointed out, showing a card on a corkboard brimming with memorabilia. “And here’s one from Cal Ripken Jr.—just players I admire and consider some of the greats.”
Sports seems to be a central part of Hudson’s life, but so is a significant challenge.
“He has cystic fibrosis,” explained Ty’s mom, Angie Hudson. “It was a complete shock since we didn’t know anyone in our family with it.”
Hudson was born with this chronic lung disease, which necessitates daily treatments and costly medication for digestion. His doctor nominated him for Make-A-Wish North Texas.
“We grant wishes for kids with critical illnesses,” said Caitlin Leal, Wish Discovery Manager at Make-A-Wish North Texas. “Ty’s wish was to attend the National Trading Card Convention in Ohio, which was a first for us!”
Typically, about half of the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish North Texas involve trips to Disney World.
“I feel like too many people go to Disney World,” Hudson said. “I wanted something different.”
The convention was held in Cleveland, Ohio, and Fanatics collaborated with Make-A-Wish North Texas to make it happen. Hudson had the chance to meet some of his sports idols, including Michael Irvin, Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose, and Cal Ripken Jr.
“After meeting Jerry Rice, he said, ‘Dad, my knees were trembling,’” Ty’s dad, Case Hudson, said, struggling with emotion. “Anything you can give to send another child…”
Make-A-Wish North Texas granted 138 wishes between April and June, funded by donations to help fulfill dreams like Ty Hudson’s.
“I don’t want to be held back from the things I could do,” Hudson said.
His wish trip was a grand success.
