A Family On The Edge

By: Seth Doane
Topics: Behind The Scenes

(CBS)

Seth Doane is a CBS News correspondent based in New York.

The Hudy family is living on the edge. Their electricity was supposed to be turned off this week (they got a two-week extension) and their house goes to auction next week because they're going into foreclosure. They're having a hard time keeping food on the table… and trouble knowing what to do next.

For me, the most interesting part of my job is that the camera and my CBS News credentials are a passport into someone's life. I had talked with the Hudys early in the week and by the end of the week – there I was… standing in their living room in Endicott, New York.

In just a couple of days together I learned more about the Hudys than I'm sure some of their close friends know. They opened up to me and there were tears and also concern about being so candid with me. They explained that not only was it humbling to admit that they need help… and to tell a national audience about it… but to know that they're opening up themselves to critique from total strangers.

While we together there was this constant sense of juggling – wondering which ball might drop. Through their ordeal – which has stretched more than two years - they've both lost weight and, at just 37, Mark's hair has started to go gray.

Their troubles started after Mark fell off a ladder while he was working. He was a subcontractor for a cable company and didn't have medical insurance. The fall and subsequent medical problems have changed life. He now suffers from "RSD" which, by both Mark's accounts and what I've read in medical journals, appears to be incredibly painful – a nonstop nagging, burning, shooting pain.

They're living on a disability check and Brenda's income from a local church (where she is a cleaner). As everything has unfolded around them – they've realized that they just can't keep juggling and Brenda told me that she was planning to go to a nearby food pantry for the first time in her life. In the past she'd donated to pantries – now she knew that she needed to go herself.

We joined her on her walk to the pantry… and it was incredibly emotional. I've worked on fourteen stories for this "Other America" series but to experience the process of admitting you need help and the fear and worry that surrounds seeking that help – was hard to watch. That walk – and their story - unfolds in our Evening News piece.

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by cpthirteen September 17, 2009 10:47 AM EDT: The Hudy's are not the only ones that have fallen in between the cracks.
The Mortgage Relief Plan only helps a select few...that fall within the Guidlines set forth--by those who do not walk in our shoes.
I was recently diagnosed with MS, getting no help from my Mortgage Co nor any other agency that I was directed to.
We need to take a stand...because there are way too many of us out here that the Lenders are not helping.
Please...let's band together...we can make them listen.; Reply to this comment


by dwelling5-2009 August 8, 2008 5:57 PM EDT: The Hudy''s address is
1001 Broad St.
Endicott NY 13760

Our check goes out tomorrow.; Reply to this comment


by katheb August 8, 2008 1:07 PM EDT: My heart aches for this family. Most of us are just steps from the edge ourselves and we very well know the difference between being steps away and from actually looking over. We all need to help out each other wherever and whenever we can. I am blessed and want to do what I can to help. Is there a fund being set up for the Hudy''s? Besides our prayers, the Hudy''s need financial help. I didn''t hear them complain once about losing their home or material possessions, what I saw was a woman wondering how she was going to feed her family. Is there something we can do? I don''t want to arbitrarily send money to an adress where I think they might be. Does CBS have concrete information that they can give to the public on this family that we can send them something?; Reply to this comment


by raceral52 August 7, 2008 11:18 PM EDT: I hope things get better,,,,I to have RSD and its very hard to live with,,,,,,,,,god bless; Reply to this comment


by ptownmedic August 7, 2008 9:18 PM EDT: I wrote the check out last night for the Hudy''s and mailed it early this morning. I hope those of you who voiced concern last night were able to do the same. Help is on the way Brenda and Mark. Let''s pay it forward friends. Peace; Reply to this comment


by ceej1955 August 7, 2008 4:05 PM EDT: I, too was so touched by what that couple was going through. It just reinforces how important this election year is and how we need to re-examine the access to medical insurance for ALL in this country. The most powerful nation in the world can''t provide healthcare for all the people that live here. Such a shame. It''s just not right when we treat such hard working people as these in such a terrible way.; Reply to this comment


by poisonpen2u August 7, 2008 1:46 PM EDT: Their story, like so many others, broke my heart. I will be sending ''help'' and someday I am sure the Hudy''s will pay it forward. It is shameful for such a wealthy nation not to care for it''s own.; Reply to this comment


by richventure August 7, 2008 11:31 AM EDT: To someone who "collects food" when it is on sale, my cupboards are full. When Mrs. Hudy opened her cupboard doors to get dinner for her family, I was shocked at how little food she had available... I went to my cupboard and saw 18 jars of peanut butter, six cans of Bush beans, four 5 lb bags of flour, and so much more. The report was an excellent wake up to the real situation in American homes and why we need a new economic direction and change for our country. I see where many people seeing the program are sending money to the family. But what can I do with all this food to help people like the Hudy''s in my community? City FOOD BANKS need your local support. If you cannot find the Hudy address to send a check, you can help others like them, in your own community.
I will be going though my "food collection" and take it to my local food pantry. I would suggest others do the same. Call your church or your United Way office and ask where you can take food items to help families at home. Good reporting, CBS! When you remind us of the pain and struggles of our fellow Americans and prompt us to action, you are providing a very valuable service.
Thank you for the wake up call you''ve given me.
richventure
Gary, Indiana; Reply to this comment


by coolbeans34 August 7, 2008 10:42 AM EDT: I''m also sending a check today bestband. I confirmed the address on Zabasearch.com I hope others will help too.; Reply to this comment


by bestband August 7, 2008 9:39 AM EDT: I used the suggestion of shobuz99 and looked up their address on Superpages. I will be mailing a check today. It''s not much, but I can''t stand by and see this on the news day in and day out. I am disgusted with how this nation has been run the last 8 years and if Pres. Bush can''t do the right thing...then we can. We will survive with or without the help of the U.S. government ( my husband and I lost everything to Hurricane Katrina ). God Bless the Hudys and everyone else in their position. Maybe someone could start a database where people could register, be checked out, and get help from the generous citizens of this nation. C''mon people, we gotta get our priorities straight!; Reply to this comment