Luca in the U.S.A with his wingman Ollie!
Donation protected
We (Chris, Nick and Jacci) are creating this Go Fund Me page in the hope of making a young boy (our nephew, Luca’s) dreams come true.
Our champion nephew Luca Carlos, his Mum (our sister) Prue, and his little brother Ollie are hoping to set off to LA this September, however, we need your help to make this a reality and a trip of a lifetime!
Luca is a 13-year-old lad from Melbourne who has lived an incredible life, barracking for the Mighty Tigers, collecting footy cards and hanging out with family and friends.
That said, life hasn’t been easy for Luca as he continues to fight every day against Infantile Refsum disease (IRD), a form of Leukodystrophy - a genetic disorder for which there is no cure that damages the white matter of the brain and affects motor movements.
Living with IRD presents around-the-clock challenges for Luca and his family. Some of the many challenges faced daily include but are not limited to:
- Navigating numerous weekly therapy appointments such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, homeschooling, tutoring and managing over 20 medications and vitamins per day.
- Luca relies on his Alinker (see photo) for movement, whilst waiting for his new wheelchair.
- Luca has a urinary catheter that needs to be emptied every four hours.
- Prue and Luca travel to the Royal Childrens Hospital at least once or twice a week, where he has a team of 30 doctors and specialists who care for him. In addition to this, he has been admitted to hospital 22 times over the past 18 months.
Despite these challenges, Prue, Luca and Ollie continue to show up determined to live life to the fullest.
“We never want anyone to feel sorry for us, I only want everyone to know what a legend Luca is,” says Prue.
This is where we need your help. Prue recently bought return flights to LA in September as it's always been a dream of Luca's to experience America.
At this stage Prue has saved enough money for return flights, but as a single parent and full-time carer of Luca saving beyond this is tough, and the costs of making unbelievable memories in LA is at this stage a bridge to far for Prue to cross on her own.
Help us make Luca's smile bigger by creating a trip of a lifetime! Our target is $30,000 that will go towards unforgettable experiences:
1. Three days at Disneyland Anaheim – VIP access to enhance Luca’s experience and easily manage through the park on his wheelchair.
2. Touring all the highlights of LA (Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach etc...)
3. Watch the LA Rams at Sofi Arena
4. 2 weeks accommodation and transport suitable for Luca’s needs and equipment
5. Travel insurance
“I am trying to make his wish come true,” Prue says.
“With Luca’s condition this will be our only chance to create these memories – this is a trip of a lifetime for us.”
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read Luca's story and consider supporting our mission. Your generosity will make an immeasurable difference in the life of our extraordinary nephew. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Organizer and beneficiary
Christopher Larkins
Organizer
Darling, VIC
Prue Thompson
Beneficiary