Help Baby Hudson Fight for a Chance in this World
Created by Salvatrice Europa & Veronica Lazzari on behalf of Candace and Mark Agugliaro
Hi, my name is Salvatrice Europa. I’m Candace’s best friend for over 25 years. Alongside her sister Veronica Lazzari, we’ve created this fundraiser to support Candace and Mark Agugliaro during the most difficult and heartbreaking time as they fight for their newborn son, Hudson Joseph Agugliaro. Hudson was born on May 19, 2025, after a healthy pregnancy and a long, natural labor. He looked like a perfectly beautiful, healthy baby boy.
Hudson struggled to feed; unable to latch onto his mom’s breast or the bottle and began showing unusual tremors. Nurses said that the feeding struggle was common and that they should keep trying. Hudson began vomiting later that night. The next day, they said he needed to go under blue-light therapy for Jaundice with mom going in with him every time she had to try to feed. Tuesday night, Hudson had some episodes of shaking beyond just tremors. They drew blood and conducted some other tests. Mom and Dad was beyond devastated to find out it was seizures. Shortly after, with family around for support and to stop the tears, more life-changing news. The doctor informed everyone that Hudson had a Rare Genetic Metabolic Disorder affecting his Urea Cycle. They were informed that a hospital in Manhattan had a team of doctors and nurses specializing in this area with a unit for care. Hudson suffered cardiac arrest during emergency transport with ammonia levels over 1200. Candace, Mark, Grandparents of Hudson and aunts were all by their side, fearing for Hudson’s life.
After days of medications and dialysis to bring down ammonia levels, Hudson’s blood pressure dropped very low and doctors weren’t sure if they were able to continue treatment. After unsuccessful attempts to stabilize his blood pressure, the last medicine worked. Although Hudson’s face and body were extremely swollen, they had to do another round of dialysis since they were able to. Hudson’s levels dropped to the 200’s. Doctors discovered that the name of Hudson’s rare, life-threatening genetic disorder was called OTC Deficiency (Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency) a condition that prevents the body from removing ammonia from the blood. OTC affects newborn males catastrophically. Doctors started Hudson on a scavenger drug called Ammonul to bring ammonia levels down.
Hudson has spent his short life hooked up to machines on dialysis, CPAP, IV nutrition, and more while his family prays for even the smallest sign of hope. After 9 days of being unresponsive, Hudson opened his eyes, moved his hands and feet, and tried to cry. The neurology team was now able to do an MRI. The results show severe brain injury (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy). Hudson is showing signs that he is fighting through this, however, it is undeniable that Hudson will suffer life-long developmental delays and only time will tell what else. Hudson’s levels of ammonia are currently ranging from the 30’s to 50’s. Now, Candace and Mark face an impossible decision: The only two options of a possible cure for OTC Deficiency.
• Enroll Hudson in a gene therapy clinical trial that has never been done before in America and only tested on two babies in the UK that may give him the enzyme his body is missing, or
• Pursue a liver transplant, another high-risk and life-altering path.
Hudson will be on expensive lifelong medication, and no matter the treatment, he will need continuous care and frequent visits to Mount Sinai until he is at least 15 years old. All of this has placed an immense financial burden on the Agugliaro family. Candace has been out of work since before giving birth. Mark has had to take weeks off from his job to be there for his son and support Candace. The family travels daily from Staten Island to Manhattan, spending hundreds of dollars that will soon turn to thousands on gas, tolls, parking, food, and hotels just to be near Hudson.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Hudson’s story.
Candace has dreamed of becoming a mother her whole life. She has always been a caregiver, the one everyone turned to, to watch over their little ones or to simply spend time with them. When Candace and Mark announced they were expecting, they were filled with joy. Their hearts overflowed as they prepared to welcome their baby boy. Even after Hudson was born, they were full of excitement, ready to bring him home and begin the next beautiful chapter of their life together as a family. But nothing could have prepared them for this. There is no answer as to when he will be able to come home and exactly what to expect when he does.
This is not the story they ever expected but it is now part of Hudson’s journey. They have been by Hudson’s side every single moment, through every test, seizure, sleepless night, and impossible decision.
This experience has been devastating; emotionally, physically, and financially and this is only the beginning of a long and difficult road ahead.
Any donation, no matter the size, helps. It is deeply appreciated by Candace, Mark, and their entire family.
But most of all, we ask for your prayers. Please keep Hudson in your heart. A rosary a day can do wonders.
From the bottom of our hearts
Thank you.
Salvatrice Europa & Veronica Lazzari
