Help us rebuild & care for our terminally ill son
Donation protected
Hi friends, family, and new people to our story!
We are the Medina-Benson family — Jallussee (Mom), Sam (Dad), and our four beautiful children: Landon (13), Esther (11), Joshua (8), and our youngest, Luke (3).
We live in Central California, and this past year has changed our lives in ways we could never have imagined.
Last year, our sweet Luke was diagnosed with a large malignant brain tumor, Medulloblastoma Type 3 - according to St. Jude Hospital, Group 3 medulloblastomas have the worst prognosis compared to other subtypes…
He has additional tumors along his spine and wrapped around his spinal cord. We were blindsided — we had brought him in thinking it was a virus, and instead received the unthinkable.
Luke had surgery that saved his life but left him unable to walk, run, or be the energetic toddler he once was.We put all our faith into treatment — including He has received 6 rounds of aggressive Chemo, 2 round of bridging chemo and then in Febuary of this year an intensive 30-day course of radiation at UCSF & 10 Days of Aggressive Chemo.
In August of 2024, Many of you witnessed our son's MULTIPLE near death experiences as we figured out what was causing it -- HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis) a disease of the blood. HLH is a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by an overactive immune system that leads to the destruction of blood cells. This complicated Luke's case entirely.
But in May, we learned that Luke's cancer is now considered NON-Curable. His tumor is non-responsive. There is no cure, and we are now living day by day — trying to make the most of the time we have left with our son.
Through it all, we’ve held onto one thing: joy. We created a “Bucket List” full of experiences we hoped to give Luke — Disneyland, Legoland, Beach days, Mountain Adventures, cuddles with Bluey, and time with his siblings. Our goal has always been to fill his final months with love and adventure, despite the medical demands and emotional toll.
Luke was in the hospital from April 20th, 2024 through April 18th, 2025… He came home a few times for short spurts…
But then, just when we thought we couldn’t handle more...
On Monday, May 26th, our house caught fire. The house fire started in the garage and spread quickly through the entryway and first floor. While some of the structure remains standing, we lost everything due to smoke, soot, and water damage.
We did not have renters insurance.
Luke’s medical supplies, medications, and beloved toys — are completely gone.
Our older children’s clothes, books, memories — are also completely gone.
And now, on top of navigating terminal illness, we are trying to secure housing (we should move in by the 12th of this week!!! IF ALL goes well!!!)
All six of us — especially Luke — need to be together. We are doing our best to stay afloat while managing grief, trauma, and the daily care Luke requires.
And now, we’ve also been informed we may be held responsible for $20,000–$60,000 in fire restoration costs due to “pack-out” services (a process where fire-damaged belongings are professionally removed and stored/restored). This was a cost we were not prepared for, and it has pushed us into a crisis we cannot face alone.
How You Can Help
We are raising funds to:
* Secure a rental home where we can stay together as a family (Furnishing and replacing what we lost - Electronics, Kitchen Items, etc.)
* Replace essential items, including books, toys, clothes, and furniture
* Fulfill Luke’s bucket list while we still have time!
* Cover restoration fees related to the fire (We are STILL waiting on a final estimate!)
* Provide for food, gas, and basic needs while we remain out of work as Luke’s full-time caregivers!
We have created an Amazon Wish List for urgently needed replacements and comfort items for our kids (especially Luke).
Every donation, share, or kind word makes a difference. Truly. We are so humbled and grateful for every bit of support as we try to keep going — and keep our family whole — during the darkest and most painful chapter of our lives.
From our hearts to yours,
The Medina-Benson Family ❤️
Organizer
Jallussee Medina
Organizer
Merced, CA