Hi, I’m Hannah Croft, and I want to tell you about my sweet 8-year-old cousin, Luke. He’s one of the funniest, most loving kids you’ll ever meet. Whether he’s cracking jokes to make everyone laugh, helping his grandpa at the wood mill, or riding the big tractor with his dad, Luke is always full of joy. He loves spending time with his mom, playing with their tortoises at home, and creating new fun meals in the kitchen together. He also loves helping his grandma with dog training and collecting chicken eggs. He has a special place in his heart for the new puppies and loves spending time with his best friend and cousin, Luther. Above all, Luke’s favorite thing in the world is being with his big family, and he’s the glue that holds us all together.

Right now, Luke is facing a life-threatening heart condition. On October 21, he’s scheduled for surgery in Phoenix, Arizona, to fix a sub-aortic membrane that’s blocking blood flow to his heart. This condition is extremely rare, affecting only 1%-2% of young people, and without surgery, Luke’s life is at risk. Luke will be in the hospital for a duration of 3 weeks. Only one parent is able to sleep over night, and 2 visitors in the room at a time.

This is a devastating time for my aunt Jaime and uncle Ben, who have already been through so much. Ten months ago, they lost their precious daughter Bella—my baby cousin, and Luke’s little sister—to the same heart condition. Bella’s surgery failed, and they’re still carrying the unimaginable grief of her loss. On top of that, the ongoing medical bills for both Bella and Luke, along with the continuous costs of traveling to see out-of-town specialists, have put them into financial ruin. Now, they’re facing yet another overwhelming financial burden as Luke needs surgery of his own.

Luke is also a bright 2nd grader at Lehman Academy of Excellence, and science is his absolute favorite subject! He’s full of curiosity, always asking questions and diving deep into his lessons. His love for learning shines through, and he’s the kind of kid who can’t wait to share everything he’s discovered.

I work with my uncle Ben every day, and I can honestly say he’s one of the hardest-working people I know. To me, he’s like a second father, always leading by example and doing everything he can for his family. My aunt Jaime is a true blessing to all of us—she’s not just a wonderful mom, but she’s also a dedicated cardiac nurse who has spent her career helping others. They are two of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met, and now, they’re facing a challenge that no family should have to go through.

Since the passing of Bella, the entire family has leaned heavily into our faith, trusting in God’s strength and guidance. We know it is through Him that we’re finding the courage and faith to face this terrifying operation with Luke. Right now, my aunt and uncle are facing a financial strain that is truly extreme. They’ve always given everything for others, but now, they need help. Any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation, a prayer, or words of encouragement—would mean the world to them—and to Luke. He’s a fighter, and with your love, support, and faith, we know he’ll get through this.

Thank you for reading, and for any help you can offer during this incredibly difficult time.