WITH the memory of his late cousin driving him, 11-year-old Hudson Gates will shave his head next month to raise money for pancreatic cancer care.
Hudson Gates’ cousin Jaz died from pancreatic cancer aged just 39. The 11-year-old said “Jaz was so special to us. I’m doing this so that fewer families have to go through what ours did.”
Hudson will be supported by Jaz’s three young children. He will shave his head in front of classmates at Derinya Primary School on 4 July.
Within four hours of fundraising, Hudson raised $1000. That figure now stands at more than $4000.
The Pancare Foundation, which will receive the donation, is a charity supporting people diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary, and oesophageal cancers. Hudson said “I’ve seen how much Pancare helps, and I want to be part of that.”
Pancare community partnerships manager Maryanne Coffey said “Hudson is an extraordinary young person. His compassion, leadership, and drive to make a difference are an inspiration to us all. “He was profoundly moved by the loss of his cousin Jaz, who leaves behind three beautiful children that Hudson remains incredibly close to. Hudson is honouring her memory in the most courageous and meaningful way, and we’re incredibly proud to stand beside him.”
To donate visit pancare-gi-cancer.raisely.com/hudson-gates.
First published in the Frankston Times – 24 June 2025