Hudson Curren was born prematurely on July 24, 2018. At just 3lbs, 14oz,
Hudson spent weeks in the NICU and his family spent 21 days at Ronald McDonald House.
His family had prepared for potential complications. At 22 weeks into the pregnancy, Hudson was diagnosed with Dandy-Walker syndrome, a brain malformation that affects the development of the cerebellum, and his cerebellum measured smaller than it should.
Despite this early diagnosis, Hudson thrived and grew, seemingly without complications. He loved to make others laugh, was a big Elmo fan, and was happiest spending time with his older brother, Jaxon.
“Hudson was exceptional,” said his father, Charlie Curren. “He could be ornery but still sweet and snuggly. We coined the term Huddles early on for “Hudson’s cuddles.” He had a laugh that would make your heart melt and so much charisma. And he LOVED his brother, Jaxon. It was a bond that was immediate and strong.”
In May 2019, Hudson began having seizures. He was transported from the local Emergency Department to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. When they arrived and the seizures didn’t stop with medical intervention, he was intubated and placed into a medically induced coma.
Hudson was eventually diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease known as Alpers, a mutation of the POLG gene, which drastically decreases the amount of energy able to be produced by the body’s cells.
The diagnosis meant significant time at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. During those hospital stays, Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio offered the Curren family the ability to stay nearby, right across the street from the hospital, on-and-off for more than 50 days, receiving hot meals and other support.
The family was surrounded by their community with a local fundraiser to help with medical bills, meal trains, and other kindnesses. Friends and family donned light blue silicone bracelets imprinted with #Huddles.
Charlie and Kate shared the highs and lows of Hudson's illness through an online blog called Hudson's Journey.
Hudson’s hospital room was wallpapered with smiling faces and well wishes from across the country, submitted through the Nationwide Children's Hospital greeting card program.
Even Jaxon’s soccer team, as a special surprise, ironed #Huddles onto their jersey sleeves.
Hudson fought to survive but was soon frustrated by the blindness brought on by the seizures and his feeding tubes. He hated the smell of the hospital and spent a lot of time sleeping.
Just a month after his first birthday, Hudson left the hospital for the final time for home hospice care August 23.
Over the course of Hudson's illness, his parents learned how to administer medications, breathing treatments, and physical therapy. He passed away at home in his father’s arms August 31, 2019.
On July 22, 2023, the Curren family turned grief into action, hosting the first Hudson’s Duck Drop in his memory. Just days before they would have marked Hudson’s 5th birthday, they were raising funds to benefit Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio.
“We will never get to take Hudson to soccer or kindergarten,” Charlie said. “Those aren’t memories we get to make, but we can have this event every year that honors his life and makes us smile. As the ducks dropped from the bridge that first year, we were sure he was watching, his laughter echoing through heaven. This is our way of sharing his story with the world.”
2025 is the third year for Hudson’s Duck Drop. This year’s event is scheduled for July 26, 5-9 p.m., at the Parrot Head Pub in Shelby, Ohio. Ducks can be “adopted” for the race for a $10 donation. Proceeds from the duck drop will again benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
“Each year serves as a powerful reminder that we are never truly alone in our grief,” said Hudson’s mother, Kate. “It is incredible to hear Hudson’s name spoken by so many - and to hear the stories of others and their experiences with Ronald McDonald House. Hudson’s Duck Drop is truly a celebration of life and love and Huddles forever.”
One of Charlie and Kate’s favorite memories from the first Hudson’s Duck Drop is discovering one of the attendees was still wearing his #Huddles bracelet - four years later. The duck drop was the first time they had ever met.
"Love doesn’t end - it’s in every act of kindness done in his name, every story we share, and every time we speak his name,” said Charlie. “Sometimes Facebook memories of Hudson smiling or in the hospital or with Jaxon make my heart break all over again, but I try to tell myself that even in loss, love lives on.”
Charlie and Kate understand that supporting someone who is grieving can feel overwhelming or confusing.
They say that small acts of care - listening, showing up, and remembering their loved one - can mean more than you realize. You don’t need perfect words or grand gestures.
You can support Hudson’s Duck Drop 2025 and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio with a small gesture - adopting a duck, sharing a post about the event on social media, attending Hudson’s Duck Drop on July 26, or remembering Hudson Curren on his birthday July 24.
