Team Of Bellingham Moms Riding Pan-Mass Challenge For Nate Solder's Son
BOSTON (CBS) -- With a big smile and confident steps, Hudson Solder may not quite be ready to protect Tom Brady on the field like his dad does, but he's still pretty tough for a 1-year-old.
"He is a joy. He just loves life," his mom Lexi told us.
That joy comes through even as Hudson undergoes chemotherapy for tumors in both kidneys. Hudson has been receiving treatments at the Jimmy Fund Clinic since he was just 4 months old.
"I don't think kids are supposed to get cancer," said his dad.
When Pan-Mass Challenge weekend arrives, Hudson will be the pedal partner for team "Your Pace or Mine." The team is made up of a group of Bellingham moms who ride to support the Solders with the hope that, one day, kids will be spared the pain of cancer.
"This group of ladies wanted to support Hudson in that way because it meant so much to them," said Nate. "That's very powerful, when people are emotionally compelled to do things."
Nate's faith has been a beacon through Hudson's treatments.
"We believe with our faith that there is a purpose for it all," he said. "That has given me a lot of hope in this whole thing. The impact we can have on other people with this ride and what they're doing at the Jimmy Fund."
Every PMC dollar that riders raise goes directly back to Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund.
"We don't want this to be about supporting the Solder family because we have so much support," said Nate. "It's so wonderful. There are so many families that don't have that support that are going through much more difficult circumstances and we want this to help those people."
As a cancer survivor himself, Nate knows how vital it is to get the very best care. And he told us that Dana Farber has "made us feel so comfortable and so hopeful about [Hudson's] treatments. And when there are a lot of question marks they ride through those bumps with us."
"We're just so thankful for all they've done for us and all the other kids," added Lexi.
This fall, #77 will be back on the field anchoring the offensive line and Hudson will continue his treatments. Just like the Patriots, Hudson will have his own team, and many fans, cheering him on--and that means the world to Lexi.
"Throughout this whole process, as hard as it is, I've never felt more grateful," she said.
The Pan-Mass Challenge will be held August 6-7. Join us for Opening Ceremonies on WBZ-TV live from Sturbridge August 5 at 7 p.m.
For more information on the PMC or to make a donation: www.pmc.org
Team Your Pace or Mine: http://profile.pmc.org/TY0012
