Boy with cancer planned to visit Disney World. Instead, community brought magic to him
Five-year-old Hudson Sands, recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, was looking forward to a Disney World trip this spring. The coronavirus pandemic delayed those plans.
But a social media call for action led to the community bringing trucks and Disney characters to Hudson’s home in Olathe.
A manager with the Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City, which had raised money for his Disney World trip, posted a call-out on social media to help the boy’s dream come true in a different way.
The Dream Factory works to bring hope and joy to children and teenagers battling serious illnesses.
The social media post ultimately led to hundreds of people joining in a parade Saturday afternoon to show their support.
“We’re just really excited for this kind of glimmer of happiness in the midst of what we’re going through with his diagnosis,” Hudson’s mother, Stacey Sands, told The Star before the parade. “It means the world to us.”
Dream Factory president Lisa McIntire said they estimated between 700 to 900 vehicles participated in the parade, including monster trucks and fire engines. Dozens of people dressed as notable characters.
“We had an overwhelming response, of course, from the community,” McIntire said. “It is just a testament of the love, care and compassion in the hearts of our volunteers and partners and the Kansas City community.”
One participant dressed as Sleeping Beauty. Two others were decked out as Star Wars characters, complete with Lightsabers. They greeted Hudson from a car with “a galaxy far far away,” sign taped on it.
Other families decorated their cars with phrases such as “We love Hudson,” and held signs as they drove past.
Police officers in their cars flashed their lights and sounded their sirens.
To adhere to social distancing guidelines, participants stayed in their cars as they drove past Hudson’s house, where he was sitting in a lawn chair with his family.
“We just want them to remember Hudson and that he’s such a strong and brave boy,” Stacey Sands said. “We’re all just behind him and love him so much and we just want the best for him.”
A GoFundMe to assist in Hudson’s medical bills was launched in November by family members.
