Bluebirds have a way of appearing in Jody Hudson’s life, particularly at key moments when she has the opportunity to share about the life of her daughter, Alex, forever 22.

Jody recalled a conversation that summed up Alex’s faith-filled life.

“I remember asking Alex, ‘When you're not here, who am I going to talk to? I know you're going to be with me again. We need to come up with a sign so I always know it’s you,'” said Jody. “I asked her, ‘Why are you choosing a bluebird?’ and she said, ‘Because every day, about 3 o'clock, a bluebird comes out and sits on the fountain. When I see it, I know God hasn't forgotten about me and it's another day to do something good.’”

Jody is the founder and CEO of the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation. An advocate, philanthropist and author, she has detailed their story in her book, “My Promise to Alex,” after Alex’s passing in 2018 of Lyme disease and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

Recently retired, Jody looks forward to spending time with her son, Garrett, 32, and speaking more about Alex’s legacy.

Jody remembers the shift she observed in Alex in fifth grade, when her happy, athletic child began to experience pain, inflammation, and later, digestive issues.

“Initially, we thought it was growing pains. We were told to give her ibuprofen and tape her ankles but she didn’t outgrow it,” said Jody, who sought answers from dozens of doctors as her daughter’s illness worsened.

Despite having a full-ride scholarship to UCLA, Alex started junior college close to home with the hope of getting better. Her health had been a medical mystery for more than a decade by the time they visited a doctor at Cedars-Sinai in 2017 who suggested Lyme disease testing.

“At that moment, it was so bittersweet because I knew she wasn't crazy. We had a label, which was a celebration on one hand that we could identify it, but I also had no idea how to help my child,” said Jody, recalling the positive diagnosis. “There was so much that we went through, across the country, to try to get her help.”

Insurance largely did not cover Alex’s medical costs, a common but little known issue with Lyme disease.

“It’s crazy and complex. Not every treatment works for every person. So many people don’t get the proper treatment because they don’t have the resources. There’s suicide in the Lyme disease community, even as it becomes more widely known because of celebrities like Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake,” Jody explained. “Awareness has grown even since 2017 but insurance often doesn’t cover it.”

Prevention, including avoiding infection spread by tick bites, is part of Jody’s mission. She developed a curriculum used nationwide with Girl Scouts in which participants prepare for outdoor experiences by earning a patch featuring the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation’s name. Jody has also partnered separately with Global Lyme Alliance and continues to fundraise.

“Lyme disease is a bacterial infection. Only about 35% of individuals with a tick bite get a bullseye rash, a telltale warning sign. Most people don’t realize they have it. Symptoms mimic a summer flu,” said Jody. “There is such a gap between people having Lyme disease and doctors having that awareness. I get calls at least a couple of times a week from parents who are so frustrated and living in desperation like I was because there aren't enough doctors who know how to treat it. I learned about grace and forgiveness because the very places that we were supposed to help, doctors and hospitals, didn’t believe us.”

Despite trying many different treatments, Alex had suffered major organ damage, and she passed away just a year after learning of her diagnosis. Her dying wish was for a foundation to be established to educate the public about Lyme disease.

“It was a beautiful passing. I knew she was with God,” said Jody. “I want her legacy and what she went through to mean something.”

Jody continues her dual mission of awareness and prevention, now without Alex, but always looking for her in bluebirds and the opportunity to tell others their family’s story.

---

Q&A with Jody Hudson

Q.  What would you like the public to better understand about Lyme disease?

-Find more information at https://www.alexhudsonlymefoundation.org/

 Q. What advice can you share with other parents?

-You don't have to do it all, you just have to be there; your presence is what matters most, not perfection.

-Listen to your children and believe in them. One constant should be ‘I might not understand but I believe you.’ Fight for them, trust your instincts.

-Don’t wait for later. Do all the things now that matter because those are what your child will carry with them.

Q. What is your parenting PSA? 

-Don't wait to show love. Life is unpredictable. Love unconditionally.

---

Fill-in-the-blank questions:  

• Best way to relax: Sunday football
• Best local restaurant: Luigi's Italian
• Best life advice: Find something to be grateful for every day.