Dear family and friends,

Some exciting things have been happening with Judson’s story, without any efforts of our own…and, believe or not, it’s all taking place in the United Kingdom!! 

It began with an article in the UK about a little boy named Jack MacPherson who died of Krabbe in April of this year.  The article listed a link for more information.  A woman named Mel Moon, a comedienne in the UK, read the article and wanted to find out more about Krabbe so she went to the link and actually discovered footage of Judson.  This compelled her to go to his website, watch more videos, and read his story.

Here are her words describing the experience:

“I saw Judson and just cracked.  I’d never seen anything so moving in all my life so I went to bed wondering what I could do. The next day I approached a few members of the comedy circuit to see if they would help me with an event.  Initially I thought I’d just use a normal gig to raise money, but when these others were so affected too, I figured we could do something bigger.”

And BIG it is!

Mel has rapidly moved forward in the planning of a high-profile comedic charity event in the UK that will take place on March, 20, 2009 to honor residents of the region who have been affected by Krabbe, increase awareness of the disease, raise funds for Newborn Screening in their country, and prominently share the stories of “Two Little Boys”—Jack MacPherson and our beloved Jud.

Here are more of Mel’s thoughts:

“The event will focus on the UK, with the only exception to the rule being Judson; he will be a huge part of the event.  The reason for this is, aside from him spurring me on, I can honestly say he will forever and ever be etched in my heart as someone that taught me life is far more than how many gigs you can do a week or how many stars you get in a review. Life is about doing what you can to make a difference…Let’s hope that someday you can get over here with your family and see for yourself what your son started here in the UK; somewhere he never even got to visit but will live on with every event I organize—I promise you that!”

And this is turning out to be quite an event!

The headlining acts for the event are well-known comics Jason Manford who is a star of the popular TV show “8 out of 10 cats” in the UK, and beloved comic Mark Rough.  It will be a 550 person event at the Burnley Football Club with a 2 course meal and a huge cake displaying Jack and Judson’s faces on the top tier.  The evening will include a comedy set followed by an auction, a band, and then video footage of Jack and Jud prior to the release of balloons lasered with the names of UK residents who have been affected by Krabbe disease (Judson will be included too).

We are absolutely blown away by all of this.  It is an incredible blessing to see Judson’s story have this type of impact,  and Mel’s efforts remind me how one person’s passions can make a HUGE difference.  We are just so thankful for our new relationship with Mel Moon and the people in the United Kingdom who are supporting this cause.

A website will soon be launched with more information about all that Mel Moon and others on the UK comedy circuit are doing for the cause of Krabbe.  We will keep you posted as to when it is up and running.

Extremely blessed and honored to see Jud’s story alive and active,
Christina (on behalf of Drake too)