Hi, my name is Laura, and I’m Lucas’s mom. Lucas is six years old, and for the past year and a half, he has been fighting cancer with more strength and courage than I ever thought possible. We held onto hope for remission for a long time. Recently, we were given the news no parent is ever ready to hear—his cancer is no longer curable. Now everything has shifted. Instead of focusing on a cure, we are focused on keeping Lucas comfortable, supported, and surrounded by the things that bring him peace.

This season comes with needs that are both emotional and very practical. We are raising funds to help cover medical equipment to keep Lucas comfortable at home, end-of-life and palliative care support, medications and supplies not fully covered by insurance, travel and lodging for hospital visits and specialized care. And just as important, we want to use this time to give Lucas experiences and moments of joy while he still feels up to them. Things like a simple beach trip so he can see the ocean, a visit to Dollywood, easy day trips like the North Carolina Zoo or local outings around Central North Carolina, and small, meaningful experiences that let him just be a kid.

We’ve had to reframe the way we think about time—letting go of waiting for the “perfect” moment and choosing instead to make things happen while we can. Lucas has also asked for something that stopped me in my tracks. He told me he wants a statue of himself so he won’t be so scared to die. So part of what we’re hoping to do is honor that—to create something lasting and special that helps him feel remembered, safe, and not alone in that fear. My goal is simple: to give Lucas as much comfort, dignity, and peace as possible—and to fill his days with as many good moments as we can. We are asking for your support to help Lucas feel comforted, safe, and surrounded by love during this time.