Empowering Caregivers with Compassion and Support
Who We Are
Our journey began back in 2014 when Gregg “Coach” Budgell, a Marine Corp Veteran who served his country diligently when he was called upon to do so, a loving husband who enjoyed going on long runs with his wife, and a doting father who moved mountains for his boys was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Gregg didn’t receive his nickname out of chance either, despite his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease and my father dedicated his life to the game of baseball. Coach took his time with the disciplines that the game had to offer making sure that every kid that played baseball with Coach felt at home and had the ability to grow. Coach Budgell was stationed at Camp Lejeune in 1985 where hundreds of thousands of people lived and worked in an area contaminated with toxic water and despite the many hardships Parkinson’s Disease brought on, he continued to coach at the collegiate level at Sonoma State helping many more young men figure out their path to greatness. Our family has been right by Coach’s side as we continue down the road, we have all been on, together. He is our inspiration for starting our non-profit and in every step, we take, we hope to honor all the good and sacrifice Gregg “Coach” Budgell has made.
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Our Story: Inspired by Love and Legacy
The Legacy of Matthew "Barefoot Budge" Budgell
This nonprofit was born out of a profound desire to honor the life of Matthew Budgell, known affectionately as Barefoot Budge. Despite his battle with gastric cancer, Matthew's ethos of love, positivity, and acceptance left an indelible mark on the world. Through his foundation, initially aimed at supporting young adult cancer survivors, he exemplified the essence of caregiving—with a global perspective.
Following his passing, we are driven to continue Matthew’s legacy, focusing now on the caregivers of disabled veterans. In every service we offer, every support we provide, we channel Matthew’s boundless spirit, striving to make the world a more caring and loving place.
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Our
Story
Get To Know Us Better
A Word From Our Co-Founder
Hi everyone, my name is Lucas Budgell, co-founder of the Barefoot Budge Corporation. I’m 23 years old and based in Sonoma County. I want to begin by sharing a quote that truly encompasses the message of our company:
“Life is beautiful, not easy. We will prevail, and love always wins. I love you all, and I love life. No matter how weird it is.”
These were the words of my brother, Matt Budgell—someone who meant so much to me and to many others. In 2019, on my sister’s and my birthday, we learned that Matt had been diagnosed with Stage 4 gastric cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy, he went into remission.
Throughout his journey, Matt dedicated himself to helping adolescents and young adults with cancer, creating a foundation that provided them with space to breathe and find balance during chaotic times. His message was to remember that while life isn’t easy, it is beautiful, and the flowers along the path are worth stopping to smell.
In December 2022, three months after Matt was rediagnosed with metastatic cancer, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by those he loved most. True to his promise to us, he gave us a cancer-free 2023.
To carry forward Matt’s spirit and dreams of helping others, our family has taken up his mission as our collective goal. Our aim is to help the heroes who have stood by their heroes. We focus on veterans with Parkinson’s disease—a mission inspired by my father, Gregg Budgell.
My father, born and raised in Massachusetts, joined the Marine Corps at 18 and was stationed at Camp Lejeune. The drinking water at Camp Lejeune was unknowingly toxic, causing irreversible damage to the bodies of many stationed there. Though my father was only there for a short time, the exposure led to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
So, what does this mean?
Think about a time when you’ve cared for a loved one who was sick or injured. Perhaps it was a tough flu, a broken bone, or something even more challenging. While we gladly care for those we love, the strain can build up.
At first, it’s small—like snow accumulating on a mountain. But when it builds, it can cause an avalanche. That’s when the burden of caregiving can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel buried under it all.
Our goal is to create a support system for veterans with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. As a family, we understand the unique hardships that come with caregiving, and we know that battles like these are never fought alone. That’s why we’re here, seeking others who share our vision and commitment.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to our story. Remember, life is beautiful, not easy.
Peace.
Join Us
We invite you to join us in this heartfelt mission. Whether you’re seeking support or looking to contribute, your engagement can make a real difference. Together, we can ensure no caregiver walks their path alone.
Contact us today! Let’s embark on this journey of support and empowerment together. Your involvement is crucial to our collective success.