Kirin Buckley

This interview was conducted with Kirin Buckley in the Community Room of the public library in Hudson New York on June 16, 2019. Kirin is a mother of two, advocate, and currently acting as coordinator for a conference educating doctors on Mistletoe Therapy as a treatment for cancer. In the interview, Kirin discusses moving to and living in various towns of Columbia County before attending college in New York City and transitioning to Hudson, New York as a permanent resident. She highlights her interest in the architecture of Hudson and its diverse styles, old and new. She gives insight into her journey through motherhood after her son was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome, expressing the challenges, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and interaction in his education, and noting specific beneficial programs- local and in-state. Throughout the interview, Kirin reflects on her journey to becoming an advocate, not only for her son, but also for herself after she was diagnosed with cancer. She describes the empowerment that comes with listening and trusting herself to be the expert in her own treatment. Kirin also shares a number of past, present, and future projects, including inviting the documentarian Dan Habib to present his work to the Hudson community, curating her paternal grandfather’s collection of mementos from his time as mayor in Massachusetts, and potentially developing a web series with local talents.

This interview may be of interest to those who wish to learn about the architecture of Hudson; advocacy and inclusion for special needs children; specific resources for support and education; how to become a self-advocate and confront fear; and the positive outcomes of a cancer diagnosis.