RDAU_2026-ISSUE0809_DIGITAL MAGAZINE

“The boys couldn’t be any closer, but as a family, it gave us the confidence that we can do anything. After the climb last year, we packed up our house and spent four months in Italy with Hudson’s godparents, who live in Tuscany. We were in our own house in the forest, miles away from home, hospitals, therapy and school. It was such an adventure! We then took him on a 12-day cruise to hard-to-access beaches in Greece and Santorini with all the cliff tops. We pushed him in his wheelchair everywhere. We would love to do as many adventures as we can to make up for the year we lost living in the hospital when he was younger. He has now been to seven countries and counting!” Star Support Inspiring ‘The Hudson Globetrotters’ Hudson is a huge fan of the Harlem Globetrotters and received a personalised video of encouragement for his Kosi Krazy Klimb fromThunder Law. “He was over the moon to hear from Corey (Thunder) Law – at first, he thought it was AI and wasn’t real. The experience has continued, and Hudson was able to go backstage and meet the whole Harlem Globetrotters team on their recent tour. Brooklyn adds, “He got all their signatures, got to do some tricks with them, and then they asked him to sit with them on the bench with the team during the whole game – getting high fives throughout! Now he wants to start training to join the team one day!” “Hudson is a natural athlete. He and Dad go surfing every weekend, go on camping trips, play basketball, tennis, soccer, AFL and go on walks. He has started looking at narrowing down a sport he would like to focus on through athletics and is considering trying to qualify for the Brisbane Paralympics 2032.” “Pete and I couldn’t be prouder of Hudson. When he was born, we were told that he wouldn’t walk or talk, and that we should lower our expectations as parents; he just blows our mind with how happy, funny and determined he is.” “Apart from the confronting medical procedures we watched Hudson endure, and the moments when we were told we might have to say goodbye, one of the hardest parts has been navigating the NDIS. It can feel like you’re expected to be grateful for whatever support is approved, while knowing that if you question a decision, it could all be taken away just as quickly. Even something as simple as renewing an accessible parking permit means repeatedly proving that Hudson still has cerebral palsy—as though it’s a condition he might one day grow out of!” PHOTO CREDIT TO COME reader ’ s digest 30   august/september 2026 The family’s goal is to continue their travelling adventures. “We want to take Hudson to as many countries as we can and show him the world is a big place and there are adventures to be had – our next adventure is to Indonesia, to go surfing in Bali with Dad.’ And if someone asks Hudson if doing the Krazy Kosci Klimb is a good experience, what would he say? “Just do it! It will be amazing! I loved it!” Do you know a young person with cerebral palsy? Or an organisation that wants to experience real inclusion? Discover more by visiting The Krazy Kosci Klimb and Instagram at thekrazykosciklimb. Understanding Cerebral Palsy When you hear the words cerebral palsy, you might think you know what it means—but the reality is often more complex. Every person with cerebral palsy has a unique story, and understanding the condition is the first step toward breaking down misconceptions, building empathy, and celebrating the strengths of those who live with it every day. Q. What is the biggest misconceptions about cerebral palsy? A. That it impacts everyone the same way or that everyone with Hudson and his family meet his favourite team, the HarlemGlobetrotters on tour. readersdigest.com.au     31 Inspirational