Unleash Vision & Faith: Empowering Faith-Driven Wo... - Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation

Grief does not have to become your identity. Jody’s story moves from a ten-year search for answers and the loss of her daughter Alex into faith-led advocacy, authorship, and practical support for people facing Lyme disease.  Nonprofit Leader's Retirement Transition Jody shared her recent retirement from a 20-year career in fundraising for non-profits and hospitals, as well as her own non-profit Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation. She described this as a transformational time in her life where she can focus more on her faith. Jody and her partner made the decision to retire together, with her partner planning to retire after 40 years at his family's business. Jody's Italy and Travel Updates Jody discussed her recent two-week trip to Italy with her spouse, visiting spiritual locations like Assisi and cultural sites in Florence, while sharing travel advice about airport timing. The conversation then shifted to Jody's upcoming trip to Las Vegas and her book "My Promise to Alex" which was published in 2022. Lyme Foundation Establishment Story Jody shared her daughter Alex's 10-year battle with undiagnosed Lyme disease, which began when Alex was in fifth grade and eventually led to her death at age 22 on March 24th, 2018. After Alex's diagnosis in May 2017 and subsequent treatment attempts, Jody founded the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation in her daughter's honor, as Alex had previously expressed her desire to create a non-profit to help Lyme patients with treatment costs not covered by insurance. Lyme Disease Awareness Journey Jody shared her experience with her daughter Alex's battle with Lyme disease, explaining that while the condition is treatable rather than curable, an earlier diagnosis could have changed the outcome. She described the emotional journey of losing Alex, including a powerful moment during a prayer vigil where Alex smiled and passed away peacefully. Following Alex's death, Jody established a foundation in her daughter's honor and wrote a book about their experience, focusing on faith, grieving, and Lyme disease awareness. Lyme Disease Foundation Testimony Jody shared a personal testimony about witnessing Alex see Jesus before passing away, which inspired her to create a foundation to help Lyme disease patients. Since launching in 2017, the foundation has helped over 100 individuals through annual grants and provides ongoing support to those seeking advice and guidance about treatments and doctors. Jody also published a book in 2022 about Alex's journey with Lyme disease and faith, which received positive responses and helped many readers understand their loved ones' experiences. Lyme Foundation and Treatment Resources Jody discussed her work with the Alex Sudsen Lyme Foundation, which includes a book and website that provides information about Lyme disease and connects people with Lyme literate doctors through a zip code search feature. She mentioned that while her book includes a section about resources and doctors like Lonnie Markham from LymeDisease.org, people might need to travel for treatment as there weren't local options in her area during 2017. Jody also shared that she maintains a structured routine including morning workouts and Bible studies, while supporting her family including a granddaughter and son who works with autistic children in Phoenix. Lyme Foundation Scripture Book Discussion Jody shared her favorite scripture from Isaiah 41:10, which provided comfort during difficult times, particularly when her daughter Alex was battling Lyme disease. She explained that each chapter in her book starts with a scripture taken from index cards her daughter compiled during her illness. Jody mentioned that her book and contact information can be found on the AlexHudsonLymeFoundation.org website, where visitors can purchase the book and potentially donate to the foundation. The conversation concluded with J