Luca’s Inspiring Journey with ASD

Hi, my name is Tracie. I’ve worked with special-needs kids for 10 years now and with children with many diverse needs, from autism spectrum disorder to cerebral palsy. I’ve also worked as a community support worker, a behavior interventionist, and I’ve done respite work for children with complex needs as well. Within all my years of service to this community supporting children with special needs, this little boy has stood out to me significantly. There is something very special about this child. I’m not saying that all kids aren’t special but this little guy has a place in my heart as well as his family, and he is very loved in his community. As a mother myself, I see the burden his family goes through day in and day out, trying to find the support and attention he requires.

His name is Luca. He’s 8 years old. He is non-verbal. He has no means of communication besides a speech device.I’ve seen this beautiful child kiss my three-year-old daughter on the toe and hand when she has hurt herself, and blow dandelion seeds in the summer, and walk along the water and skip rocks into the ocean, but best of all I have heard him laugh, and I have seen him smile. It’s a smile so bright it could light up anyone’s day. Luca is a very special boy. However, Luca has also been dealing with not only mental concerns, but some physical health concerns now, including GI problems, and also needs iron infusions. Luca and his family are going through an extremely emotional and difficult time. Luca can’t go to school sometimes. Luca has to travel back-and-forth from Vancouver Island to Vancouver to Children’s Hospital for various medical concerns. Sometimes kids like Luca are put on the back burner. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be enough help on Vancouver Island to support a child with his complex and various needs. Too many people have given up on kids like Luca and the ones who are suffering are him, his family and his friends. Especially his Mom And Dad. They’ve had to miss countless hours of work, have had sleepless nights, travel back-and-forth from the island to Vancouver Children’s Hospital on a regular basis. They need special equipment to support Luca as well, yet the funding unfortunately just isn’t there. This takes a toll on family dynamic, mental health, relationships, school, friends and unfortunately, Luca is not getting the help that he needs and I know this boy can thrive. Despite the challenges he faces. His loving and dedicated family is missing out on life, on work, even on supports for Luca, and struggling each and every day and night, and honestly I feel that it’s a literal hell for any parent to be in. I have a daughter myself, and I couldn’t imagine the burden that these parents are going through just to keep a roof over their beautiful boys head. These funds will be used to help deal with lost wages. Travel from VI in order to receive care. Extraordinary expenses and supports needed to maintain a healthy life, respite, and the education required for a child like Luca with ASD. They will also be going to give this little boy the sensory room of his dreams for Christmas, which the family cannot afford, yet is very much needed for his physical growth and mental health. We just want Luca to grow up and be a productive member of society. We want him to have a childhood where he can feel what it feels like to just be a kid. We all want this for our children. I know if my daughter were going through the same thing, I would want somebody to do this for us. So I’m asking for help, please. No parent should have to watch their child suffer. Luca is going through a state of torture on body and mind on a daily basis. As well as his parents, who love him so very much and would do anything for him. Yet they have hit a point where they don’t know what to do anymore. That is why I am reaching out. For the sake of this beautiful, intelligent, sweet boy, and to help keep this family together and strong. I’ve known this family for years and they are wonderful, strong, caring people and they deserve more than what they’ve been given. They deserve a chance. A chance at a better life for them and for poor sweet Luca. Please give what you can. Any little bit helps to reach our goal. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.