After Losing Its Owner to Cancer, A Beloved Bakery Is Surrounded by an Outpouring of Community Love

After a beloved bakery owner dies of cancer, the community steps in to help. They made sure that the baker’s legacy continued through his shop, Hudson’s Baking Company, by helping his widow to keep it running. And it couldn’t be more meaningful to her. 

Bakery Owner Dies of Cancer Just Five Years After Opening

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Aaron Hudson, a Kuna, Idaho, resident, was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, the same year he opened his bakery, and passed away in August of this year. In 2021, he began to experience back pain from a cancerous mass that took the family by surprise. His passion was baking, and everyone knew it. When his three children learned that he wouldn’t survive his disease, they wanted to know if their mom wanted to sell the bakery. 

“They looked me dead in the face, and they said, ‘Mom, that’s Dad's legacy. You cannot sell the business,” Anna Hudson recalled tearfully. 

The only problem is it's a 100-year-old building in desperate need of a renovation, including a new floor and HVAC system. Anna’s hairdresser, Kelsey Crawford, knew of the need and stepped in to help. She spoke to her contractor friend, who agreed to do all of the repairs free of charge. 

Local Businesses Step in to Help Struggling Bakery

A lot of local businesses—13 in total—have agreed to help the bakery with repairs or by providing materials like countertops and paint. 

However, the bakery still needs $22,000 for materials and to keep employees paid during the renovation. 

"We just want to make it better and give her support for the next 10 or 15 years, so that she and her family can proceed in the direction that Aaron would have gone," Kelsey said. 

Blown Away by Blessings

Anna has been pleasantly shocked by all of the support. She knows Aaron would be, too. 

It’s just incredible that this community has rallied together to help this family and keep this small business alive. If anyone wants to donate to the bakery’s renovation, they can now do so through Supportnow.org. 

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“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” Psalms 68:5

WATCH: After Losing Its Owner to Cancer, A Beloved Bakery Is Surrounded by an Outpouring of Community Love

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h/t: KTVB

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.