The Lucca Small Campaign
Donation protected
On February 20, 2018 one of our long-time Manitou School District families suffered a devastating loss. Manitou graduate Ashley Whittemore lost her beautiful 4-year-old son Lucca in a horrific, fatal car accident off of Hwy 67 near Deckers, Colorado. Ashley and her amazing 6-year-old daughter Reagan are mourning the loss of sweet Lucca and are challenged by unexpected financial impact.
Ashley’s ex-husband, and the father of both children, was driving the vehicle involved in this single-car accident, and he suffered severe injuries.
Ashley and her immediate family have been residents of Cascade, Colorado for over 25 years. All four siblings graduated from Manitou Springs High School; in fact Ashley and two of her siblings attended Ute Pass Elementary where Reagan is now a first grader. Ashley’s parents have always been very involved in this tight-knit community … her father spent 23 years as a volunteer firefighter and fire chief in Cascade, and her stepmom was on numerous school and school district committees and volunteered at the family’s church, Holy Rosary.
Ashley grew up playing Manitou athletics, was an honor student and was extremely involved not only in school but with various volunteer organizations in the Manitou and Colorado Springs area. She took pride in knowing her babies would grow up in that same close Ute Pass Community of Manitou, Cascade, Green Mountain Falls, and Woodland Park.
Lucca attended Preschool in the Pines in Woodland Park, Colorado and was already enrolled to start Pre-School this Fall at Ute Pass Elementary. He was beyond excited to start going to school with his big Sissy and had already developed a morning high-five routine with “Mr. Principal” (Chris Briggs-Hale). After waving goodbye to Regan every morning, Lucca would talk his Mommy’s ear off as they drove from Cascade to his pre-school.
Lucca was pure light. Always smiling. Always giving hugs and kisses. And always begging his Mommy for sips of her morning coffee; and really how could she say “no” to that sweet face? He was a spectacular little man: left-handed, with a brain for building things. He loved salmon and asparagus; enjoyed the snow more than words can explain; and made it his mission in life to spread love and smiles to everyone he met. Unfortunately Ashley’s worst fear as a parent became reality when she was told of the accident and that little Lucca did not survive.
Teachers, administrators and parents associated with the Manitou School District are establishing this Go Fund Me page to help Ashley and Reagan through this incredibly difficult time and to assist with Reagan’s counseling and educational needs. All donated funds will go directly toward Reagan’s wellness and education. Ashley wants to ensure her daughter is able to still laugh and be silly; still retains that sense of youthful joy that permeated their home in Cascade prior to their loss of Lucca.
It is a long journey for both Reagan and Ashley toward healing and once again finding joy, but there is hope. Lets celebrate Lucca’s life by showering light, love and our support upon Reagan and Ashley!
Ashley’s ex-husband, and the father of both children, was driving the vehicle involved in this single-car accident, and he suffered severe injuries.
Ashley and her immediate family have been residents of Cascade, Colorado for over 25 years. All four siblings graduated from Manitou Springs High School; in fact Ashley and two of her siblings attended Ute Pass Elementary where Reagan is now a first grader. Ashley’s parents have always been very involved in this tight-knit community … her father spent 23 years as a volunteer firefighter and fire chief in Cascade, and her stepmom was on numerous school and school district committees and volunteered at the family’s church, Holy Rosary.
Ashley grew up playing Manitou athletics, was an honor student and was extremely involved not only in school but with various volunteer organizations in the Manitou and Colorado Springs area. She took pride in knowing her babies would grow up in that same close Ute Pass Community of Manitou, Cascade, Green Mountain Falls, and Woodland Park.
Lucca attended Preschool in the Pines in Woodland Park, Colorado and was already enrolled to start Pre-School this Fall at Ute Pass Elementary. He was beyond excited to start going to school with his big Sissy and had already developed a morning high-five routine with “Mr. Principal” (Chris Briggs-Hale). After waving goodbye to Regan every morning, Lucca would talk his Mommy’s ear off as they drove from Cascade to his pre-school.
Lucca was pure light. Always smiling. Always giving hugs and kisses. And always begging his Mommy for sips of her morning coffee; and really how could she say “no” to that sweet face? He was a spectacular little man: left-handed, with a brain for building things. He loved salmon and asparagus; enjoyed the snow more than words can explain; and made it his mission in life to spread love and smiles to everyone he met. Unfortunately Ashley’s worst fear as a parent became reality when she was told of the accident and that little Lucca did not survive.
Teachers, administrators and parents associated with the Manitou School District are establishing this Go Fund Me page to help Ashley and Reagan through this incredibly difficult time and to assist with Reagan’s counseling and educational needs. All donated funds will go directly toward Reagan’s wellness and education. Ashley wants to ensure her daughter is able to still laugh and be silly; still retains that sense of youthful joy that permeated their home in Cascade prior to their loss of Lucca.
It is a long journey for both Reagan and Ashley toward healing and once again finding joy, but there is hope. Lets celebrate Lucca’s life by showering light, love and our support upon Reagan and Ashley!
Organizer and beneficiary
Ute Pass Elementary
Organizer
Cascade, CO
Ashley Whittemore
Beneficiary
