“Hey, I’m Here For You:” Harry Hudson’s Journey of Healing Through Music and Charity
Written by Roan Vaughan and Lillian Mihelich
Harry Hudson, the musical artist and founder of the, "Hey I'm Here for You," charity is helping young cancer patients achieve their dreams by connecting them to resources that correlate with their creative goals. At his RedTalk, hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board at UW-Madison last semester, he discussed how music guided him through his own cancer journey, reminding his excited audience of life's abundant curiosity and art's critical connection to mental health.
Image from Harry Hudson’s Instagram
Hudson started making music in his youth. At 16, he started making music alongside friends and at just 17 he got into a studio, deciding that music was his future. Taking the courageous jump to move to Sweden in his teens, Hudson adjusted to the harsh reality of what it takes to succeed in the music industry and made the best of the limited, early morning hours he was given to work on his own songs. Appreciative of his experience, and with his parents' consistent support, Hudson moved to LA to pursue his career. Now, Hudson has released two solo albums, working with fellow MSFTS (Hudson’s label) artists like Jaden and ¿Téo?.
Hudson's upbeat persona mirrors his ability to approach his personal cancer journey with positivity and astonishing wisdom. On the same day upon receiving the greatest news of his life, a record deal with his dream label, Hudson’s life was turned upside down. Later that day, he was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma. Harry recounted the weeks following his diagnosis as one of the most depressive periods of his life, but, with the help of a journal gifted by his brother (which he still writes in daily), he embraced his new routine. “I’m going to enjoy the process,” Hudson said, in a mantra learned from his time in Sweden.
Above: Harry Hudson, photographed by The Vault creative director, Pranav Volety
Hudson’s mindset, the one he still holds today, was awoken by one woman: a fellow chemotherapy patient. Bonnie, the elderly woman next to Harry in his hospital room, grabbed his hand before asking him one simple, yet heavy question: “Would you die for music?”. The gravity of the question forced Hudson to rethink his connection to music, and, in the end, he realized “If I’m going to die, I’m going to die doing something I love”.
The artist's beliefs and motto of “what would you die for?” are exemplified in his foundation, “Hey, I’m Here For You,” started in 2020. Meant to put his philosophy into action, the foundation aims to help children in Harry’s position feel truly seen, and “find their music,”in the way Harry did. The first center, built on the campus of Vanderbilt University, does just that, providing resources and opportunities to sick children to guarantee that their passions are brought into fruition. Though the foundation aims to help young adults separate themselves from their sickness, Hudson was sure to make clear that cancer is a part of his life that can’t be ignored, and that’s one of the reasons for the foundation's meaningful origin.
“I'm gonna make sure they get seen, they get heard, they get fulfilled and then, you know, the plan is to make it to the millions of people around the world.”
-Harry Hudson
Hudson was open about the unavoidable isolation he endured both as a young adult facing an illness in hospitals with few individuals his age and once he overcame it. Revealing a disconnectedness when entering back into his daily life, he once again used music and new ideas as part of his future. In an interview with a student after his talk, Hudson explained that simply taking inspiration from events or people such as museums and music is a big deal. Resilient, Hudson is appreciative of the creativity that flows into his life, in ways such as simply being around people and remaining present when he can.
With 150 kids involved already, Hudson wants, "Hey, I'm Here for You," to be one of the largest charities in the world. Once programmed correctly, the charity will expand to more locations and younger individuals. Hudson's relationship with music is powerful, and one that demonstrates that a passion for anything is attainable and worth fighting for.
Video from Harry Hudson’s Instagram - Hudson’s RedTalk, hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board at UW-Madison
Edited by: Lauren Veum, Pranav Volety, Netanya Ravid, and Annelise McDonald
