HUMBOLDT — Ten year old Hudson Mutimer had something to celebrate with the completion of his last chemotherapy treatment – and the Humboldt community was there to celebrate it with him
A congratulatory parade of about 40 to 50 vehicles was held on March 9.
First diagnosed with cancer in November 2019, Mutimer began chemotherapy treatments shortly after.
“It was very upsetting and we weren't sure what to expect in this process, but he’s just been so amazing,” said Hudson’s mom, Haley Mutimer. “Such a strong kid throughout it all.”
The parade, held on March 9, had Hudson’s friends driving by his house as well as police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulance, supporters and his hockey team in full uniform.
“He said it was the best day of his life, he was absolutely thrilled,” she said. “It was just so nice to see that joy and celebration that we finally got light at the end of the tunnel.”
The event was organized by friend of the family, Cathy Zimmerman, in about a week.
“I asked Haley if that’s something Hudson would like or not,” Zimmerman said.
“Hudson is a fantastic little boy, he is strong and he’s brave and he deserves to be celebrated.”
While Hudson knew that there would be a parade, Zimmerman said they kept the attendance of the emergency vehicles as a surprise.Â
“Once the word got out about it, people were very excited to be part of it. I’m super thankful for that,” she said
“The fire department didn’t just bring one vehicle, they brought three trucks. The police didn’t just bring one car, they brought two cars. It was just such an overwhelming response that I’m super grateful for.”
The parade began with the vehicles first meeting at the parking lot at Your Dollar Store For More before turning right to go in front of the mall, then right on 21st Street, and finally by Hudson’s house on 17th Street.
All vehicles were encouraged to blow their horns and make some noise as they passed by.
“We paraded around twice, and with all the vehicles we almost filled all of those blocks in the entirety for the parade,” Zimmerman said.
“The amount of streamers and balloons and everything, people went above and beyond.”
Afterwards, any banners that were attached to the vehicles were collected and given to Hudson’s family.
“Nobody knows what the future holds, of course, little boy deserved to be celebrated for all the treatments he’s been through and put a brave face on through it all.”
Hudson said seeing the parade and the emergency vehicles left him “very happy.”
“I liked all the people there,” he said.
