Team Luca

Andrea and Mark Schraith are parents to two wonderful children, Clara and Luca. In mid-November, Luca developed a fever and pain in his hips, legs, and feet. A bunch of tests and a brief hospital stay over Thanksgiving didn’t yield a diagnosis but it was believed to be a viral infection. The fevers and pain continued and a bone marrow biopsy was performed on December 3rd. Later that same evening they received a phone call from the oncologist that it was cancer- Burkitt leukemia. 

Burkitt leukemia is rare, aggressive, and fast-growing and Luca was therefore admitted to the hospital the next morning and chemotherapy began on December 5th. All chemotherapy is done in the hospital, where Luca will be admitted for about one week per cycle, with a total of 6 cycles. Chemotherapy is given through an IV and also into the spinal fluid. Average length of treatment is 6 months. The chemotherapy is very strong and Luca will get very sick, likely requiring multiple hospital stays in between chemo cycles. So far Luca has been one brave little warrior through CT scans, multiple lumbar punctures, endless blood tests, chemotherapy, steroids, regular COVID19 tests (those are the worst!) and lots and lots of hospital trips. 

Luca is an incredible little four year old who loves learning about how things work and playing with his big sister. He loves trucks of all kinds, playing in the sandbox and riding his bike. He may be a bit obsessed with Paw Patrol and he’s always ready for a great snuggle and a book with mom, dad, or grandma.

It’s important to all of us that Luca and his family receive all of the love and support we can offer during this challenging time. We, his family and friends, are accepting your generous contributions to help alleviate their financial and emotional stress. Our goal is to raise $5,000 by the end of January 2021 to help pay for Luca’s medical expenses and care. Any funds remaining after Luca has kicked cancer’s butt will be donated to pediatric cancer research. 

We thank you from the bottom of our heart for helping Luca and his family get through this and for all of your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time. Your continued concern for Luca and his family means a great deal to all of us.