By: Kalyn Jackson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— University of Arkansas Associated Head Men’s Golf Coach Barrett Lais and his wife Jessica continue to honor their late son Hudson.
Hudson Lais suffered a global brian injury after his birth, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy two year later and passed shortly after his fifth birthday.
“He had a lot of issues throughout his short five years,” said Jessica, “So he had seizure disorder, he was fed through a feeding tube, he couldn’t walk or talk or sit up but he just always had this joy and soulful personality.”
Hudsons’s passing has not been an easy journey for the Lais family but they have found the positive in their situation.
“We decided really early on that we were just going to make the best of it,” said Lais,“Not just get through it we were going to give him the best life we possibly could.”
The Strong Like Hudson campaign was created in remembrance of Hudson’s happy spirit. “We suffered a terrible tragedy when he passed away and we couldn’t have thought of a better way to honor him and spread happiness because that’s what we remember about him.”
Julian Périco, a member of the University of Arkansas Men’s Golf team, has grown a close relationship with the Lais family. Even though Julian never met Hudson, he loves what happy for Hudson stands for.
“It just kind of pushes you to do something really nice for someone,” said Périco.
Each year on Hudson’s birthday, February 13th the family spread happy for Hudson with simple acts of kindness. Some members of the Men’s Golf team shared their happy by delivering treats to the Arkansas Children’s Northwest Hospital. Périco siad it feels nice to give back to the community.
Barrett and Jessica have also partnered with Make-A-Wish Midsouth where they raised over $30,000 in 2020 for the Strong Like Hudson campaign.
“We just wanted to be able to give it to other families and other families that deserved it because it can be a rollercoaster and we understand that and the challenges families face,” said Lais.
This year the Lais family granted their fifth wish in Hudson’s memory.