Fans Raise $63K for Hospital That Saved Actor's Life

Hudson Williams was just a baby when BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver saved his life. Twenty-five years later, his fans decided to return the favor.

The "Heated Rivalry" star mentioned the hospital while toasting at the Golden Globes this year. "The BC Children's Hospital kind of saved my life when I was a little baby," he said. "So, selfishly, if we could save some more babies over there, that'd be cool."

Fan Gianna Christine heard him loud and clear. She started a fundraiser on Threads in late January with a modest goal of $1,000, planning to keep it open until Williams' birthday on February 13.

Within 18 hours, the community had raised $3,000. By the end of day one, they hit $4,000.

"I need a new phrase," Gianna wrote. "'I'm blown away' no longer fits."

Fans started donating $24 at a time, matching Williams' character Shane Hollander's hockey jersey number. The gesture turned into a movement.

For Gianna, the cause hit close to home. Her own daughter needed brain surgery at six months old. "When Hudson said the BCCH saved his life, my heart stopped for a moment," she shared. "I immediately identified with how terrified his mother must have been, because I was in the same position once."

Her daughter's birthday fell on February 11, just two days before Williams'. When the fundraiser reached $25,000 that day, Gianna felt the timing was perfect. "It feels right to reach this incredible milestone just before the birthdate of my beautiful girl," she wrote.

By Williams' birthday, donations topped $32,000. He shared the news on Instagram with a simple caption: "best bday present ever."

The Ripple Effect

The story didn't end there. After Williams promoted the fundraiser on social media, 760 more donors joined in. By February 17, the total surpassed $63,415.

Gianna noticed something special about the donations. "The ones that really grab my heart when I see them come through are the $5, the $10," she wrote. "Every penny raised will be put to work saving children's lives."

The generosity sparked similar fundraisers for Williams' co-star Connor Storrie. Fans have raised over $10,000 for the National Center for LGBTQ+ Rights and $4,000 for Rainbow Railroad in his honor.

Gianna summed up what healthy fandom can look like. "It can be fun; it can be a community. It doesn't have to become toxic. Be freaks, but respectful freaks."