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Submitted photos.
WILLIAMSON - I met with Denise Hudson at the house on Monday for a little while. As she walked with me around the house, she was able to smile some as she told me some of the experiences that her family has gone through since the fire including some blessings like finding a picture in the ashes, the tree that her Mom planted in the front yard, the kindness of Ride to Give and all who have donated to her family, and the care that was shown to them by volunteers from the Pike County Fire Department who responded to the fire at their home.
She told me that Brianna is going to get casted for her walking brace on Thursday (tomorrow). Brianna will be fitted for her new wheelchair at the end of the month. They are doing what is needed to care for Brianna's needs and praying that insurance covers it.
If you would like to help them in their efforts to help Brianna learn to walk and just get back on their feet after this fire, there are a couple of ways that you can help. The Ride to Give flash fundraiser has raised over $33,000 and has been extended for another week. Check out the Ride to Give page at https://fund.ridetogive.com/campaigns/d15aBd/ab/95KNc0. You can also send donations to the Hudsons at PO Box 572, Williamson GA 30292.
The remains of one piece of equipment for Brianna.
The remains of another.
Stairs to the second story.
WILLIAMSON - As you may have heard, the family of 8-year-old paraplegic Briana Hudson of Williamson GA suffered a devastating house fire on evening Tuesday, January 5th. Their home was completely engulfed in flames and is now a total loss. Unfortunately, Briana's therapy and specialized mobility equipment including her wheelchair were lost in the fire and sadly not covered under insurance. The 501c3 New York based children's charity Ride to Give has stepped up and is running a flash fundraiser thru Monday, January 11th to help the family quickly replace Briana's equipment. ADDED 1.12.16: This flash fundraiser has raised over $33,000 so far and has been extended for another week!
Through the generosity of strangers, family, and friends, Ride to Give has raised almost $24,000 in less than two days. These funds take an enormous financial burden off Briana's parents as they now know they will be able to provide her with the mobility tools she needs to return to the hard work of recovering from the 2011 car accident that left her paralyzed.
For more information please check out the Ride to Give page at https://fund.ridetogive.com/campaigns/d15aBd/ab/95KNc0.
WILLIAMSON - PCFD was dispatched to a 911 call at 9:38 p.m. Tuesday, January 5 for a structure fire at the home of Daniel (Danny) and Denise Hudson at 237 Dickinson Road, Williamson. Denise stated she and her daughter Brianna were in bed when a family friend living at the residence alerted her and her father that the house was on fire, that they needed to get out.
Denise said at that point the kitchen was on fire and that the back porch was involved. All occupants were able to safely exit the house. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
All seven county stations were represented with personnel as well as apparatus responding from Hollonville, Lifsey Springs, Williamson, Zebulon and Second District. Fire crews were fighting the fire until after 3 a.m. when the crew was able to clean up hoses, etc. and return equipment to their stations.
(Note: Danny and Denise are the parents of Brianna Hudson who is a T-4 incomplete paraplegic with a traumatic brain injury as the result of a motor vehicle accident in October 2011.)
The American Red Cross Central Midwest Georgia Chapter has assisted the family with lodging and other necessities. The home is a total loss.
Click here to see pictures from the makeover on the house for Brianna in 2013. The community has gathered around this family in the past, and it is already beginning again because that is what Pike County people do. Pike County Times will keep the public up to date on how to help the Hudson family.
ADDED 1.8.16: Click here to read more about this fire and to donate to the Hudson family. According to this website, the fire took Brianna's wheelchair and much of the special equipment needed to help her learn to walk.
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