Debby Hudson Colon Cancer Foundation
About Debby Hudson Colon Cancer Foundation
Although Deborah “Debby” Hudson never physically gave birth, she had hundreds of children. And, on June 20, 2006, when she lost her battle with colon cancer, she left a void in the hearts of her loving and devoted “special” kids.
Debby had been a special education teacher and curriculum specialist for 29 years in her adopted home of Inverness, FL. Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, Debby moved to Inverness in 1977, following her graduation from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY the year before. Her sister (and best friend) Cindy, also a Canisius grad, had relocated to Inverness in 1975 to begin her teaching career at Citrus High School.
Debby
When Debby first began teaching special needs children, her school was called Oak Hill. Subsequently, the school became Lakeview and, finally, CREST (Citrus Resources for Exceptional Children). And, as the school evolved and grew, Debby contributed to its growth. As a teacher, she was focused, yet, was noted for her enthusiasm and joviality, her creativity and exuberance. She was truly the kind of teacher parents hope their children will have and the kind of teacher students want.
In the classroom, she cared deeply in seeing that each student aspired to succeed to the best of his or her ability. Beyond the academic setting, her commitment to her young charges was what really put Debby in a class of her own. She took her students out to lunch, threw pizza parties for them, and held tea parties for severely emotionally disturbed (SED) girls to recognize them for their good behavior. During the holidays, she welcomed students into her home, especially those with no other place to go. She’d take them shopping, too. On one occasion, she gave money to a boy who couldn’t afford a new pair of shoes. It didn’t matter whether she had the money or had to put something on a credit card. Debby would always do without herself if she knew of someone in need.
Debby
Her generosity and selflessness extended beyond her students. Whenever a parent of a special needs child required a helping hand, Debby was there, even if it meant taking care of an individual for several weeks or more. Often, she would lend financial assistance to aspiring teachers who needed support to continue their studies. Once, one of her school’s classroom aides needed major heart surgery in order to live. Despite her fear of flying, Debby took personal leave and accompanied her co-worker to Boston in a series of flights in small, private planes. Her caring and giving nature truly knew no bounds.
Debby not only made a difference in the lives of countless individuals, but made a mark in her community as well. She was the first coordinator of Special Olympics in Citrus County, and was honored by the Florida Special Olympics shortly before her passing. She was also instrumental in connecting the local Civitan Club to CREST and its students and having the civic organization provide Christmas and Easter parties for the youngsters. Posthumously, Debby was honored as a Foundation Fellow by the Civitan International Research Center for Extraordinary Contributions in Leadership and Community Service.
Debby was 51 when she was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in April 2005. She had experienced abdominal problems for some time, but, as was her nature, put the interests and needs of others ahead of herself. When she finally did consult physicians, she learned that the cancer had metastasized to her liver. Despite the grim news, Debby made a conscious decision not to give up but, rather, to try to overcome the odds—just as she had always tried to encourage her special kids to do. She underwent a series of painful chemotherapy treatments during her final 12 months, but nothing could stop the cancer from slowly depleting the tremendous strength stored in her petite body.
Debby
Debby’s oncologist called her one of the bravest patients he had ever known. She faced her colon cancer with an unflappable sense of optimism.
Debby
Due to the progress of the disease, Debby had to stop teaching full-time in January 2006. Despite her illness, she attended the May CREST graduation ceremonies. Few in the audience knew, as she was being recognized by the students, parents, and staff whom she loved and who loved her, that she had been at the hospital most of the day receiving blood transfusions in order to attend graduation.
I’ve been to every graduation and I’m not going to miss this one,
she informed her sister Cindy.
We are holding this race in honor of Debby Hudson and her sincere belief that only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Her family - sister Cindy and her husband Ed (Debby’s other best friend), her nieces Mary Elizabeth (and husband Matt) and Jennifer (and husband Will), nephew Charles Edward, and brother Stanton all believe this race can make a life-saving difference in the lives of others.
Debby had a history of colon cancer in her family. Those with a family history of colon cancer are at higher risk and should get a colonoscopy as early as ten years before the family member who developed cancer.
Debby waited too long. Don’t you. Colon cancer is over 90% curable if detected early, however only 37% of cases are diagnosed before they spread. Early detection saves lives. Consult your doctor. Encourage your family and friends to get screened.
And, come out and run or walk. Your support and generosity will not only honor Debby but will help raise awareness of colon cancer and raise dollars to find a cure for it.
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