Our 8-year-old son, Lukas, was suddenly hospitalized with a rare and devastating lung condition. He is now in the cardiac ICU at Boston Children’s Hospital, and his only option may be a double lung transplant. While his medical care is thankfully covered by MassHealth, the non-medical costs of this crisis- temporary housing near the hospital, meals, transportation, lost income, and daily living expenses- are quickly becoming overwhelming for our family. These are not optional costs; they are what allow us to remain close to Lukas during the most critical time of his life. We are trying to raise at least $25,000 so we can stay by his side and give him the best chance possible.

----------

My name is Oksana Christoforakis, mother of the 8-year-old Lukas. Just a year ago, Lukas was a whirlwind of energy, swimming, biking, racing his brothers, and filling every room with laughter. He was unstoppable. Then came the shortness of breath, the fainting spells, the moments that didn’t make sense. We thought it was something small, maybe dehydration. Instead, it was the beginning of something far more serious.

Last week, after yet another confusing and seemingly random incident, Lukas was rushed first to Baystate Hospital, and then urgently transferred to Boston Children’s. What doctors found was heartbreaking.

Lukas was diagnosed with 2 rare lung conditions, which both complicate and cause each other. Both are already 1-in-a-million, but together? A completely unique case.

In the days since, dozens of specialists have tried to find a way forward. The conversations always circle back to one unimaginable possibility, a double lung transplant.

Most don’t know this, but transplant is not a cure. It’s a chance for more time, but with enormous risks and lifelong challenges, and a median survival of only 6 years. Lukas is only eight years old. He doesn’t yet understand what all of this means, and for now we want to protect his sense of joy and hope as much as possible.

For us as his parents, this has been shattering. Every morning, I wake up in a hospital chair, watching monitors beep and machines hum, wondering how our lives could change so completely, so suddenly. My husband and I are doing everything we can to stay strong for Lukas and his two older brothers. But the truth is that this fight takes more than emotional strength. It takes resources we simply don’t have.

We are deeply grateful that MassHealth will cover his hospital bills. But everything else, food, gas, housing near the hospital, parking, the countless small costs that add up each day, has already stretched us to the limit. It is impossible to focus on healing when you’re also worrying about whether you can afford to remain at your child’s bedside.

That is why we are asking for help. Our goal is to raise at least $25,000 to support our family through this crisis. Every single dollar will go toward making sure we can stay close to Lukas while he needs us most. Your gift, whether large or small, means we don’t have to choose between caring for our son and managing the weight of day-to-day expenses.

We know these are difficult times for everyone, and asking for help does not come easily. But what we’ve learned is that community, love, and generosity are the only way through something like this. If you can donate, we are endlessly grateful. If you cannot, sharing Lukas’s story is just as meaningful.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us carry this burden. Lukas deserves more time. More hope. And more of the little joys that make his life so beautiful.

With love and gratitude,

Oksana Christoforakis