This is a site to raise money for the Schneider family's medical expenses associated with Luca John's ongoing battle with Gastroparesis.

Luca was born last year to two amazing and kind parents, Mark and Melissa, and 3 loving older siblings Tyler, Juliana, and Sofia. Luca immediately brought so much joy to his family and his beautiful smile can light up a room.

Through the smiles, Luca has been suffering for months now. He has frequent episodes where he cries out in agony and cannot be consoled or relieved. After many sleepless nights, hospital stays, trips to NYC to special hospitals, many tests & procedures, and many many tears- Luca was diagnosed with Gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal motility disorder. It's considered a silent disease, because although he looks wonderful on the outside, on the inside he suffers in extreme pain. This disease is paralysis of the stomach. His nervous system does not relay to the stomach muscles to contract to push anything through the digestive tract. It's a chronic disease. He suffers with constant nausea, frequent vomiting, stomach spasms and abdominal pain daily.

Although it was reassuring to finally discover a diagnosis for what ails this sweet sweet boy, the road to recovery is not over. There is no cure for Gastroparesis. Luca will require more tests, more hospital stays, and more trips.

Luca is such a strong boy and has experienced more than any little baby should in his short amount of time on this earth. His parents, Mark and Melissa have shown such patience, love, and grace through this ordeal and have been by Luca's side the entire time. As a result, Mark has been out on family medical leave, but has used all his paid time off and there is no money coming in, as he is the working parent. With unforseen medical bills looming on top of regular day to day bills, they are struggling.

I can't think of a better and more deserving family to help and ask for your help at this trying time in their lives when they need it the most.