Casting Joy: A Father’s Tribute Turns Into a Hospital Fishing Event for Kids
Gratitude comes in many forms, and for one father, the gesture needed to reflect his deep appreciation for the team that cared for his fragile newborn. His inspired idea: bring a fishing event to children in the hospital.
Where It All Began
Hudson Perkins was born on May 31, 2017, and his first few hours were critical. Shortly after delivery, his blood sugar levels dropped dangerously low and proved difficult to stabilize. He was transferred to Oklahoma Children’s OU Health for advanced care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Hudson’s mother, Melissa, recalls how frightening it was to see her newborn lethargic and struggling.
“It was overwhelming,” she shared. “But the care he received at Oklahoma Children’s was excellent. The team was calm, knowledgeable, and they made sure we were never far from Hudson.”
Thanks to the NICU team, the family was connected with temporary accommodation nearby, allowing them to stay close to their infant during his two-week stay. Once Hudson’s blood sugar levels stabilized for several consecutive days, he was able to go home with his family to Duncan, Oklahoma.
“Once we were home, Hudson began to thrive,” Melissa says.
Family, Fishing, and a New Purpose
Back in 2015, Steve Perkins, Hudson’s dad, was introduced to C.A.S.T. (Catch A Special Thrill) for Kids, a national nonprofit that gives children with special needs the opportunity to go fishing through supportive, community-led events.
A passionate fisherman, he was intrigued by the organization but initially hesitant to lead any events. However, a persistent call from his friend and former fishing guide, Jim Behnken — the Western Regional Director for C.A.S.T. for Kids — encouraged him.
“Jim pushed me to host my first event with him at Lake Murray, and it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done besides having Hudson,” Steve said.
When Hudson was later diagnosed with autism, C.A.S.T. for Kids took on even more meaning. Reflecting on his son’s early days in the NICU and the dedicated staff who cared for him, Steve envisioned a bold way to give back: What if C.A.S.T. for Kids could bring a fishing event directly to children at the hospital? Knowing many of the kids couldn’t leave, he wanted to take the experience to them.
“I believe God placed it on my heart,” he said. “The hospital helped Hudson and our family so much. I wanted to do something for the kids there.”
Steve knew his vision was huge, but he’s never one to back down and moved to make it happen.
He and Jim took the idea to the team at Oklahoma Children’s and were delighted by the positive response they received.
“Jentri and Belinda were amazing,” said Steve. “They worked so hard to help us bring the vision to life.”
A New Kind of C.A.S.T. for Kids Event
In May 2024, Oklahoma Children’s hosted its first-ever on-site C.A.S.T. for Kids event, transforming the parking lot between the hospital and the Ronald McDonald House into a full fishing experience.
Two 1,000-gallon tanks were filled with treated water and stocked with live catfish, thanks to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Fishing rods and bait were prepared, and volunteers were on hand to teach children the basics and help them reel in their very first catch.
Nearly 200 children and family members participated. Volunteers brought hot dogs and worms for bait, sanitized fishing rods between uses, and cheered on every child who dropped a line into the water.
Hospital staff carefully coordinated the event, bringing children down a few at a time. For those unable to leave their rooms, volunteers took fishing rods, T-shirts, hats, and medals to their bedside.
“Some of the most moving moments were when it took four or five nurses just to help a child come outside,” Steve recalls. “The effort, the love — that’s what makes the people at Oklahoma Children’s the real heroes.”
The event ended with an awards ceremony, led by Steve’s pastor. Each child was given a T-shirt, hat, medal, and their very own fishing rod.
“All C.A.S.T. events are special, but this one is something different. It’s a breath of fresh air,” Steve said. “It’s joy. It’s hope. And it’s magic.”
Looking Ahead, Growing the Impact
This May marked the second C.A.S.T. for Kids event at Oklahoma Children’s, and the team hopes to continue each year.
The event costs approximately $10,000 to host, currently funded through donations and small sponsors. Steve is actively seeking a major sponsor to help sustain and grow the program.
“We just want to create a moment where kids and their families can forget, even just for a little while, what they’re going through,” Steve says. “We want them to smile. To catch a fish. To feel normal. And to know they’re not alone.”
Hudson Today
Now 8 years old, Hudson attends a private school and receives speech and occupational therapies. He didn’t begin speaking until he was 4 but now forms full sentences and continues to make progress. He also has a new baby sister he is protective of, and he loves anything to do with outer space.
Thanks to the dedicated care Hudson received at Oklahoma Children’s as a newborn, Steve’s passion for fishing, and the mission of C.A.S.T. for Kids, a simple fishing event became something special for young patients. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there’s still space to cast a little joy.
Learn more about specialty services at Oklahoma Children’s, the state’s most comprehensive pediatric hospital and group of pediatric experts, as well as neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) services.
