Just months ago, Luke was a college baseball pitcher, graduate student, and athlete preparing for his future. Today, at 22 years old, he is preparing for a life-saving bone marrow transplant due to Severe Aplastic Anemia, a rare and life-threatening disease that has turned his world upside down. His fight now is not on the mound — it’s for his life.
On October 25th, Luke was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a condition where the bone marrow stops producing blood cells. Until that moment, Luke was living his dream. He had graduated from the College of the Holy Cross, was using an additional year of athletic eligibility, and moved to Washington, DC to attend The George Washington University as a graduate student and pitcher on their baseball team.
Within weeks, that dream was replaced by hospital rooms, transfusions, and uncertainty.
Many do not know everything Luke has been going through, but he courageously agreed it was time to ask others for their prayers and support. Please read his story and pray for God’s healing grace over him.
How This Began
In late October, Luke began experiencing fatigue, headaches, and unexplained bruising. A blood test revealed his platelet count was 3,000 — dangerously low compared to the normal range of 140,000–400,000. He was immediately hospitalized at George Washington University Hospital.
Over five intense days, Luke underwent extensive testing and endured three painful bedside bone marrow biopsies while doctors searched for answers. The possibilities were terrifying — leukemia, autoimmune disease, or aplastic anemia. Thankfully, leukemia was ruled out, but Luke was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia (SAA) of unknown cause.
While SAA is serious, it can be cured with the right treatment.
A New Reality
Luke’s life had changed overnight. He could no longer attend school in person or play baseball. He and his mom, Alice, returned home to Florida, while his dad, Ron, packed up Luke’s entire college life and drove it home. During this devastating time, the GWU baseball family showed incredible kindness and support — something Luke and his family will never forget.
The Road to a Cure
The family placed their trust in the experts at Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, even though it is three hours from home. Luke’s treatment plan includes chemotherapy and radiation followed by a bone marrow transplant (BMT) — currently the best chance at a cure.
A bone marrow transplant does not happen overnight. November and December became a blur of decisions, emotions, blood draws, hospital visits, tests, and 2–3 red blood and platelet transfusions every week just to keep Luke alive. Luke attends multiple doctor appointments each week, including visits with a local hematologist in between frequent trips to Tampa. By early January, Luke had received 40 bags of blood products through transfusions due to his critically low levels.
A Donor Match — and Hope
After two months of searching, the family received incredible news. A fully compatible, 100% unrelated donor match was found — a 19-year-old donor in Europe. Luke’s transplant was initially scheduled for late January but was delayed. His bone marrow transplant is now scheduled for February 19, 2026.
Luke and his parents will temporarily relocate to Tampa for three months. Luke will be hospitalized for approximately 30 days, with the first few weeks after transplant being the most critical. Once discharged, the family must remain near the hospital for ongoing post-transplant care.
Why We’re Asking for Help
Luke’s faith has been a guiding light through these challenges, and we ask that you pray for his healing and strength. Along with the emotional and physical toll, the medical expenses are overwhelming.
Although the family has insurance, out-of-pocket medical costs are expected to reach $75,000, including:
- In-network and out-of-network maximums across two calendar years
- Transplant-related services not covered by insurance
- Donor search, bone marrow procurement, and international transportation
- Frequent travel to Tampa and a three-month temporary relocation for housing and living expenses
Already, nearly $30,000 is owed — and the largest expenses are still ahead. Asking for financial help was not an easy decision, but a brave one.
How You Can Help
Pray for Luke’s healing, strength, and peace
Donate if you are able — any amount truly makes a difference
Share Luke’s story with others
If you would like to donate directly through Venmo: Alice’s Venmo is @alicemarie12 (last four of cell 3524).
Thank you for taking the time to read Luke’s story and for surrounding him and his family with love, hope, and support. Every prayer, donation, and message helps carry Luke closer to healing, and reminds him and his family that they are not fighting this battle alone.