Hello, I am Clete Hudson and on April 27, 2023, I was graciously gifted a new life as a liver transplant recipient. So here is a short version as to how I have reached this point in my life and where I came up with 17 Heroes.
I am a born and raised Southeast Kansas boy, 60 years young. My maternal Grandfather, whom I met once when I was 15, was an angry alcoholic. I am not debating drinking. Some say the disease is genetic and some say the opposite. I was raised around adults “having a few cocktails” so to me it was a normal thing to do.
In 1998, I was 35 years old and had a massive heart attack. I was hospitalized for a week, but came home healthy and happy. I went 3 weeks without a drink and I was so proud; however, I started in again mostly on weekends. In 2003 I was diagnosed as a diabetic; pill only at that time. In 2011 I became divorced and lost after a 22-year marriage. I carried around a horrible, horrible attitude at that time as I had not put Jesus Christ as my savior.
So mad, sad, bored, angry and very impulsive, I turned to whiskey. From 2011 to 2020 I was pretty much a drunk every night. I was a functional alcoholic. I would start drinking around 3 on weekdays and end at just about anytime anyone was around. During this same time frame I had begun being smarter than the doctors. I did not need my diabetes meds and there was no need to check sugars.
On March 17, 2020, the day the world stopped with covid, I had an open heart surgery and 3 by-passes were made. I was still not as intelligent until the early morning of April 22, 2021. It was the day after my grand twins were born and 3 days before my oldest daughter, Morgans’ wedding. I woke up around 4 am feeling like I had to puke and boy did I. Also, felt I needed to go number 2 in the restroom.
When I turned the light on it looked like a murder scene. I was puking and pooping straight red blood. A huge “OH SHIT” moment in my life. I prayed and prayed, and drove myself to the Chanute hospital. Two upper GI’s stopped the bleeding. They sent me to KU for further treatment. It was a very life changing weekend. I was not able to walk Morgan down the aisle and I found out that Liver cirrhosis could lead to a Liver transplant!
So the next two years I went sober and still am today. Even when you read this, I will still be sober. This was and is a mental and physical test. I was, in no way, going to flunk. My life consisted of blood tests, urinary tests, AA meetings monthly, doctor visits, and a goal to lower my A1C to under 8 , which had been as high as 13.
So let’s fast forward to April 14, 2023. I was about a mile away from my Overland Park Apartment and had no idea where I was, yes driving. I called Morgan and asked her where I was. She was with her lifelong good friend Morgan O. She guided me to Morgan O’s office where an ambulance was waiting for me. One of the memories I have from that day is the ambulance driver wanted to take me to St. Lukes South. I refused and said, “get me to KU med fast!” He said “sir I do not have enough oxygen to get there “ My reply was, “you better flip the lights and sirens on and drive your a** off.”
Some of my family were deciding my future for me, not to suffer (pull the plug). My life was hanging in the balance, with no functioning liver or kidney. There was not much hope. My pastor, DJ Dangerfield, pulled the people and my family that were all there together for prayers. They sprinkled Vatican holy water on me and prayed. My youngest daughter, Cali, put on Facebook how much I could use prayers. The very next day, or that eve, (I am not sure which) one of my daughters said in my ear, “stay strong Dad, they found a liver.” God bless his or her soul.
Rehab was terrible learning to swallow, stand up, walk and feel healthy. Those were the hardest things besides missing family events. I missed Morgan’s wedding, Cali’s college graduation, their birthdays, and my grands birthday’s. I also had to spend my Birthday with ICU nurses. Despite my inability to be there for my family, they were there for me. I am so grateful for my daughters and my son Hunter, who were there for me 24/7 the first few weeks. I could not have done any of this without you.
I always knew the gift of life was a huge decision a family has to make. I am forever grateful for the gift. When I was hospitalized there was a sign across the hall that read, “17 people die each day waiting on an organ transplant.” I thought, “hmm very interesting.” I did not realize how lucky I was to not be one of those 17.
The gratitude I felt gave me a desire to give back, helping families waiting on a transplant. I came up with 17 Heroes. To this day we have helped 3 families with some money due to the giving of my kids and their spouses first and foremost. My two sisters and many friends played in our inaugural golf event this past October.
My plans are to speak at local Southeast civic clubs, organizations and schools. We hope to help everyone be aware of the importance of being an organ donor, as well as to meet some of the needs of individuals and families whose lives have been impacted like ours.
I appreciate your support. Look for us on our website and on Facebook. We have some exciting events coming in 2024.
God Bless Everyone,
Clete Hudson
www.17heroes.com
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.