Helping Hands from Hudson

Our mission statement:  Promoting healing and happiness for children and families battling pediatric cancer.  Raising awareness and financial support to help  alleviate suffering and find a cure.

Helping Hands From Hudson was founded by Tom and Amy Rinker and became an official non-profit organization in March of 2010. It was established in memory of Tom and Amy's son, Hudson Wayne Rinker....known to everyone simply as "Huddy".

Huddy was born on March 30, 2007. He passed away on February 20, 2009, a month shy of his second birthday, after a courageous eight month battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer.

Huddy was diagnosed on July 9, 2008 at age fifteen months. He displayed unbelievable courage and strength throughout his difficult fight with such an aggressive disease. He brought smiles to all those he came in contact with and touched the hearts of everyone who had the honor of knowing him. He spent much of his eight months of treatment primarily at Janet Weis Children's Hospital at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA with additional treatments at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. 

Huddy was a little boy, but he was larger than life. He was an inspiration to people who knew of him and has continued to inspire us through his memory and his legacy. He was courageous, compassionate, happy, had a great sense of humor and he knew no fear. He was here with us for just a short time but he made the best of every moment and will live on in the hearts of many forever. He was one of those rare souls who truly brought out the best in people and for that, he will be remembered and loved always. Helping Hands From Hudson was founded in memory of Huddy and to honor the courage and love he showed us all.

Over the years our organization has gifted thousands of dollars to help local families battling childhood cancer. We give $500 scholarships to eligible students at MASD who have been affected by pediatric cancer. Since 2010, from Lock Haven to Muncy, including South Williamsport, Loyalsock, Jersey Shore, Williamsport, Hughesville, and Montoursville, there have been over 30 children diagnosed with cancer. Seven of those children have passed away. We work to raise awareness so that we can help fund research. Our main purpose is to support families, but our hope is for a cure. Without awareness, there is no funding.....Without funding, there is no research....Without research, there is no cure! 

Thank you for taking the time to read our story!