Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Droubay
Hi Melanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In early 2020, after trying for three long years, I found out I was pregnant with my fifth child. I was ecstatic! But at 10 weeks pregnant, I received a call that changed everything — the doctor informed me that our baby boy had a 95% chance of having Down syndrome.
In that moment- it felt like my world came crashing down. I didn’t know anything about caring for a child with Down syndrome, and I grieved for the future I had imagined. I worried about how my other children would be affected, what others would think, and whether I could handle it all. I was overwhelmed with anger, sadness, and fear, and I felt completely alone.
Things became even more challenging when, at our 18-week ultrasound, we discovered that our baby had a severe congenital heart defect, which would require open-heart surgery soon after he was born. And then at 28 weeks, I showed early signs of placental insufficiency, making the pregnancy even higher-risk.
All of this was happening during the pandemic, and I often had to go to my doctor’s appointments alone, filled with anxiety, wondering what more they might discover.
Hudson was induced at 37 weeks due to absent doppler flow and was born on December 11, 2020. Because of some complications, I wasn’t able to hold him until five hours after delivery. But when they finally laid him in my arms, I cried tears of joy and relief. In that instant, his diagnosis no longer mattered. He was my beautiful baby boy and I knew I would do whatever it took to give him the best life possible.
Hudson spent eight days in the NICU before coming home on oxygen. Our other kids adored him from the start. He had open-heart surgery at five months old and spent another eight days in the hospital recovering, but since then, he has thrived in ways I could have never imagined.
Shortly after he was born, I announced Hudson’s birth and diagnosis on social media. What started as a way to update friends and family quickly grew into something much bigger. Others were immediately drawn to Hudson’s bright, contagious smiles and our authenticity in sharing our journey. I posted about the ups and downs, but most importantly, I shared the love that filled our home.
My early fears melted away as I came to realize that Hudson was a blessing who opened our eyes to the beauty of differences. His fans continue to grow and together we share his joy and smiles with the world. We advocate for acceptance and representation, showing others the immense happiness and love he brings to our family and beyond. I am constantly amazed by the messages I receive from people sharing how much Huddy’s smiles mean to them—how he has brightened their day, brought them joy, or even inspired them in their own lives.
In just 3 short years, we have already had experiences I could have never imagined. From being on the Kelly Clarkson show to having his photo displayed in Times Square, NYC – his journey has been filled with incredible moments of joy and inspiration. Each opportunity reminds me of how much light Hudson brings to the world, simply by being himself. His story is a testament to the power of love and the beauty of embracing every child for who they are.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our journey has been filled with so many more happy moments and positives than challenges. But, like any path following a new diagnosis, it hasn’t been without a few bumps along the way. Some of the hardest moments for me was navigating a high-risk pregnancy, leaving Hudson in the NICU, and facing his open-heart surgery.
From the moment we received the diagnosis, I felt a sense of uncertainty that overshadowed the joy of my pregnancy. I worried not only about Hudson’s health, but also about how our family would adjust to our new reality. My pregnancy was filled with anxiety as I constantly worried about whether or not Hudson would make it. Each doctor’s appointment carried a heavy weight, especially with the added complications from his heart condition. I often found myself bracing for bad news, and the toll it took on my mental health was huge. When I started showing signs of placental insufficiency, the worry only intensified. I spent countless nights awake, feeling helpless, not knowing what to expect, and praying that my baby would be okay.
Leaving Hudson behind in the hospital for his stay in the NICU felt like my heart was being torn in two. As a mom, all you want is to hold your baby close, and it was devastating to leave the hospital without him in my arms. I remember the emptiness of going home and feeling like part of me was missing. The guilt weighed heavily on me, and I constantly worried about how he was doing when I couldn’t be by his side. Those days were long, and the emotional strain was beyond anything I could have imagined. But I clung to the hope that soon, we’d all be together as a family.
Handing him over to the medical team for his open-heart surgery was one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching experiences of my life. I remember feeling utterly helpless as I watched them take him away, knowing that his tiny body was about to undergo something so critical. It’s an indescribable pain to watch your baby, so small and vulnerable, be carried off for a procedure that his very life depends on. The hours of waiting felt like an eternity, filled with fear, uncertainty, and countless silent prayers for his safety. When I finally saw him afterward, connected to monitors and machines, my heart ached — but the immense relief that washed over me knowing he had made it through was overwhelming.
Our journey is still filled with struggles, but most of them are not because of Hudson. In fact, Hudson’s bright spirit and resilience are constant reminders of what is truly important. The real challenges we face now come from the world around us — from those who don’t see the value in individuals with Down syndrome, who don’t understand or accept differences. It’s disheartening when society places limitations on people like Hudson before they even get a chance to show their worth. Advocacy has become an essential part of our journey, not just for Hudson, but for all individuals with Down syndrome, so they can be seen for who they are — valuable, capable, and deserving of love and inclusion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
First and foremost, I am a wife and proud mother to 5 beautiful amazing children. I am also an advocate for acceptance and inclusion and love using my platform to share our family’s journey, particularly that of my youngest son, Hudson, who was born with Down syndrome. Through my social media presence @ourhuddybuddy, I focus on raising awareness about Down syndrome, promoting inclusion, and spreading joy through Hudson’s smile and milestones. My work is about showing the beauty in differences, and encouraging others to see the value in every individual, regardless of their abilities.
I am most proud of the positive impact our story has had on others. The messages from families who feel seen, inspired, or encouraged by our posts mean everything to me. One of my proudest moments was sharing a video of Hudson and me doing daily affirmations, which resonated with people around the world. I received countless messages of parents who decided to start these affirmations with their own children. It’s been amazing to see how Hudson’s joy and determination have touched the hearts of so many.
What sets me apart from others is I try to keep my content a mixture of advocacy, education and joy. I don’t just share the highs, but also the moments of struggle and vulnerability, creating a space that feels real and relatable. I want to show the world that children with Down syndrome, like Hudson, are capable of incredible things, and they bring immeasurable light and love into our lives.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband has been my rock since we found out that Hudson has Down syndrome. He has held my hand through every challenge, reassuring me that everything will be okay. His unwavering support gives me the strength to keep moving forward even when things get hard.
Connecting with other parents in the Down syndrome community has been invaluable. It helps to talk to others who have been where you are and understand completely what you are going through. We share our experiences, support each other, and celebrate every success. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this journey.
The support from Huddy’s followers has been incredibly uplifting. Their kind words and messages remind me of the impact Huddy has on others. Hearing how much his smiles mean to them fills my heart with joy and gratitude. It’s inspiring to know how many people are cheering him on, celebrating his milestones, and sharing in our journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourhuddybuddy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083423147320
