10/20/2025
At Oklahoma Childrenās OU Health, we believe healing comes in many forms ā sometimes, it even looks like a fishing rod and a tank full of catfish.
In 2017, newborn Hudson Perkins faced a life-threatening medical emergency. His blood sugar levels dropped dangerously low, and he was rushed to our neonatal intensive care unit for specialized care. Thanks to our expert team and compassionate staff, Hudson stabilized and was discharged home to Duncan, Oklahoma, where he began to thrive.
Years later, Hudsonās father, Steve Perkins, found a powerful way to say thank you. Inspired by his love of fishing and his connection to CAST for Kids Foundation, a national nonprofit that creates fishing experiences for children with special needs, Steve dreamed of bringing that joy directly to the hospital.
And he did just that.
In May 2024, we hosted our first-ever on-site C.A.S.T. for Kids event at Oklahoma Children's, transforming our parking lot into a full fishing experience. With help from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, two massive tanks were stocked with live catfish. Volunteers, staff and families came together to create a day filled with laughter, learning, and love.
š£ Nearly 200 children and family members participated
š£ Fishing rods, bait, medals and T-shirts were provided
š£ For kids unable to leave their rooms, the experience was brought bedside
š£ Every child left with a smile and their very own fishing rod
Steveās vision, born from gratitude and hope, has now become an annual tradition. This May marked our second event, and weāre committed to continuing this joyful experience for years to come.
We are proud to support C.A.S.T. for Kids and grateful to Steve, Jim Behnken, and all the volunteers who make this possible. Together, weāre casting more than just fishing lines ā weāre casting joy, hope and healing.