Luke was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma in July of 2017. He and his family spent the better part of 6 months in the hospital while Luke received treatment. Since his cancer was very aggressive, Luke’s treatment had to be equally aggressive.
For Luke, LLS provided him with a night of strength at the 2017 Light the Night Walk in Philadelphia. It was Luke’s 6th round of chemotherapy, which was delayed due to his low white blood cell count, when he was told that he would have to choose between the Light the Night Walk or celebrating Halloween at home with his friends. Luke chose Light The Night and spent Halloween in the hospital. That night, Luke’s dad put him on his shoulders as the white beam of hope lit up the sky. That night, LLS gave Luke the strength that he needed to finish his treatment strong, and beat cancer.
Luke is 9 years old now and in remission! He’s been a wonderful inspiration to the Eastern PA staff of LLS by sharing his story to many during his time as Boy of The Year, and participating annually with his family and friends at Light The Night.
While Luke’s cancer diagnosis was a surprise to him and his family – Luke took it like a champion! As his father, Ken, recalls on Luke's first night of treatment, he uttered three profound statements... “I can do this. I can fight it. I am stronger." Luke’s heart of gold continues to show as he has dreams of becoming a nurse at CHOP to help kids that have cancer, just like himself! Luke is a true Hero!