Ty Hudson’s bedroom in Weatherford is a shrine to sports, brimming with signed baseballs, trading cards, jerseys, and more.
“That’s LeBron James’ rookie card,” Hudson said, pointing to a card on a corkboard filled with memorabilia. “And here’s one from Cal Ripken Jr…just players I know and consider some of the greats.”
Sports seem to be in Hudson’s blood, but so is something else.
“He has cystic fibrosis,” said Ty’s mom, Angie Hudson. “We were completely caught off guard because no one in our family had it.”
Born with this chronic lung disease, Hudson needs daily treatments to clear his lungs and costly medication to help him digest food. His doctor nominated him for a wish with Make-A-Wish North Texas.
“We grant wishes for children with critical illnesses,” said Caitlin Leal, Wish Discovery Manager at Make-A-Wish North Texas. “Ty wished to attend the National Trading Card Convention in Ohio, which was definitely a first for us!”
This is notable because about half of the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish North Texas, covering 161 counties, are typically for trips to Disney World.
“I feel like too many people choose Disney World,” Hudson said. “I wanted something different.”
His wish took him to Cleveland, Ohio, where the convention was held. With the help of Fanatics, Make-A-Wish’s official sports partner, Hudson had the chance to meet sports legends like Michael Irvin, Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose, and Cal Ripken Jr.
“After meeting Jerry Rice, Ty said, ‘Dad, my knees were trembling,’” Case Hudson, Ty’s dad, said, his voice choking up with emotion. “Anything you can give to help send another child…”
Make-A-Wish North Texas granted 138 wishes between April and June, fueled by donations to support children like Ty Hudson.
“I don’t want to be held back from the things I could do,” Hudson said.
His ‘Wish Trip’ was a home run.
