Faith Hudson, age 17

Photograph by Randy Campbell (2021)

Full of life, love, and joy–and always game for an adventure–Faith Hudson’s story is one of hope and determination. She embraces life wholeheartedly, forging close relationships and never forgetting a friend. Her indomitable spirit and persistence to learn and succeed at whatever she aspires to. She especially loves animals. She is known as the Animal Whisperer to her friends, due to her ability to interact with animals of all kinds.

A survivor of a neonatal stroke, Faith has complex medical needs including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, G-tube dependency, and global developmental disabilities. She is also visually impaired and nonverbal.

She uses sign language to communicate and a power wheelchair for mobility.

After spending 15 months in intensive rehab therapy after a major surgery to help her walk, she can now walk short distances, jump on a trampoline, and use an elliptical machine. She has never given up despite the long and intense rehab.

Faith is also an accomplished abstract artist. Her paintings hang in several countries, more than 20 states, and in a chain of restaurants in South Carolina. She has always closely identified with Helen Keller, due to her visual and hearing challenges as well as using sign language to communicate.

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.

Sign up for our newsletter!