Hudson Simmons
Hudson "Huddy" Simmons was born on August 20th and came into the world like a giant ray of sunshine. He’s the funniest kid that makes everyone in the room laugh, the brightest and most contagious smile, and gives out the best hugs that make you feel just how much he loves you! He’s so caring about everyone and all animals. He’s a total mama's boy and always checking on his mom Bethany.
Hudson loves to play basketball and really wants to start playing football. He's an expert gamer Fortnite and Roblox are his two favorite games to play. He is blessed to be part of a beatiful blended family and loves playing with his siblings and enjoys being outside. His favorite color is purples and not only does he love real animals, but also all his stuffed animal friends. Although technically born Hudson, this sweet boy is best known as Super Huddy to his family thanks to his love of superheros and courageous spirit that stems from his faith. His mom says, "Hudson himself gives me strength and reminds me there’s only One that knows the future. For Huddy it’s not “if” he gets better. It’s “when”. He trusts Jesus fully that he will be healed. His faith is so strong and keeps me going."
Diagnosis
In November of 2025, Bethany started to notice some issues with Hudson's eyes. She first noticed his left eye was crossing slightly. She took him for an eye exam and they prescribed him glasses saying it was a weak muscle. After a few weeks I noticed it wasn’t getting better and planned to call the eye doctor the following Monday to make him another appointment. But on Sunday he woke up weak on his right side. He had pronounced limping and his grip was weak. His family rushed him to Arkansas Children's Hospital where he was diagnosed with DIPG and their lives were forever changed. Bethany felt so alone and helpless. She had no clue this diagnosis existed but suddenly the bad news just kept coming. The worst case scenario just kept happening. She shared that she felt like she really hit rock bottom, barely able to function. But another DIPG mother found her and talked to her for over an hour encouraging her to get up and fight. She says, "I prayed so many hard prayers. And God kept speaking to me and telling me to trust him. He gave me the verse “trust in the lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. I had to tell myself that nobody knows the future, not even the doctors. I had to choose to ignore all the statistics. And choose to make decisions for my son while fully trusting in God."
Bethany is choosing to to share Huddy’s story today to not only spread awareness but also to encourage other mothers to never give up and to trust that only God knows the future. ​
Super Huddy was born to be a hero and his family is living this diagnosis with an unshakable faith and belief that he is so much more than a statistic. The Archer Foundation is proud to stand beside them in their belief for more good days.
