**Help Luca Access Life-Changing Stem Cell Therapy**

We are sharing Luca’s story in the hope of reaching as many people as possible to help us raise funds for our beautiful boy to access Stem Cell Therapy, which is sadly not available in the UK.

Luca is a twin (twin 2). He was born extremely prematurely at just 27 weeks, weighing only 934 grams. From the very beginning, Luca was incredibly poorly and so very tiny. At birth, he suffered a small brain bleed. During his long and intensive stay in NICU, including being transported between hospitals, Luca endured significant trauma from breathing tubes, needles, oxygen, blood transfusions, steroids, and multiple medications.

Over time, Luca’s brain bleeds worsened, resulting in a Grade 2 and a Grade 4 bleed. He faced many complications during the earliest days of his life. After 87 days, Luca finally came off oxygen, but the high levels required led to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), meaning he needed eye surgery involving injections directly into his eyes. Luca also has chronic lung disease.

In 2024, Luca underwent brain surgery for hydrocephalus — a build-up of fluid on the brain caused by blockages from the bleeds.

Luca is now 2 years old and has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and severe visual impairment. He does not yet have full head control, has no mobility, and is non-verbal. We are unsure how much Luca can see, which is heartbreaking to think about.

Despite everything, Luca is the happiest little boy. He is always smiling and has the most infectious laugh — a light in every room he’s in.

Stem Cell Therapy would give Luca an incredible opportunity for a better quality of life. He would receive umbilical cord stem cells from a donor. While this treatment does not repair damaged brain tissue, it can enhance healthy cells and help the brain create alternative pathways, supporting further development.

This therapy has helped many children with similar conditions by improving cognitive function, motor skills, and even vision — especially when received at a young age.

We are hoping to raise enough funds to take Luca to Panama for Stem Cell Therapy. The total cost for treatment, travel, and aftercare is approximately **£20,000–£30,000**. We are doing everything we can to save ourselves, but we simply cannot reach this amount alone. We are asking for help to give Luca the chance to begin this treatment while he is still young.

All money raised will go on the treatment, travel and any therapy afterwards.

Website to visit -

https://www.cellmedicine.com/stem-cells-and-cerebral-palsy/

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Luca’s story and for any support, shares, or donations — it truly means the world to us.

With love,

Nicolle, Pete & Luca xxx