Over the past few days, I’ve had so many people reach out to say they’ve been quietly following Hudson’s story. Knowing that so many of you have been standing behind us, sharing the petition, and supporting us even silently has been incredibly moving. Thank you just doesn’t feel big enough 🩵
I know most of my updates up until now have been really heavy, so today I finally get to share some positive news.
We received Hudson’s MRI results today, and he does not have an acquired brain injury from the overdose. The relief we feel is indescribable. For the past 10 months, I’ve carried the fear of him living with a permanent brain injury every single day, so this news is beyond anything I can put into words.
We’ve also had a step forward with the insurer, who has agreed to reimburse Hudson’s OT and psychology therapy up until February. While this is a huge win, there is still no commitment to covering his ongoing therapy, despite clear medical advice that these supports are necessary.
This progress has come after 10 months of constant advocacy just to have Hudson’s basic care needs recognised, alongside the increased pressure of potential media coverage this week, which appears to have contributed to movement in the decision.
As I’ve said before, through this process it has become increasingly clear that there is no legislative requirement for insurers to fund early intervention supports for a child, even where liability is not in dispute. In contrast, under WorkCover frameworks, individuals can access necessary supports prior to claim determination or formal diagnosis.
At its core, this is a children’s rights issue. When a third party has caused injury or harm to a child, that child should have an inherent right to timely and appropriate care, including early intervention supports, without having to wait for prolonged legal or insurance processes to be resolved. No child should have to wait for a legal process to play out before receiving the supports they need to develop, recover, and thrive.
I am so grateful that we were in a position to absorb the cost of therapy during this time, that I had the networks to connect Hudson with the right services, and the ability to advocate for him. But the reality is this shouldn’t come down to luck, privilege, or persistence. It should be a basic right.
We have started to see traction with both local and federal MPs, who are now writing to the Minister on our behalf to push for legislative reform. This gives me hope that something meaningful can come from what we’ve been through.
If you haven’t already, can you please sign the petition and continue sharing it. Your support is what is helping drive this forward.
Thank you again to every single person who has supported us, whether you’ve reached out, shared our story, or simply followed along quietly. It has meant more than you will ever know 🤍