Lucas was diagnosed with Spina Bifida at birth. Spina Bifida is a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. Spina Bifida can range from being mild to causing serious disabilities. Symptoms depend on where on the spine the opening is located and how big it is. Symptoms also depend on whether the spinal cord and nerves are involved. Shortly after his arrival, Lucas was transported by helicopter to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. He was directly admitted into the NICU where he spent the first 11 days of his life. During that time, he underwent surgery at one day old to close the exposed opening in his spine. Spina Bifida occurs in different types: Spina Bifida Occulta, Myelomeningocele or the very rare type, Meningocele. When he was 3 years old, he had double eye surgery for bilateral strabismus. His most extensive surgery, a bladder augmentation, happened when he was 5 years old. He had a combined hospital stay of 8 days between surgery, recovery and readmittance due to a surgical complication. In December of 2022, he received a shunt placement. May of 2024 was his most recent surgery on his ear, and he will undergo surgery once more in August for the other. This little man’s strength is a true inspiration. He continues to wear a smile on his face despite what he has faced. Along with all of these surgeries he has undergone countless hours of physical, occupational and speech therapy. Lucas is unable to run, play sports, or do any other activities that would require steady balance, contact, or uneven surfaces.  They feel blessed with his diagnosis and that Lucas is able to walk on his own with little assistance. Aside from his mobility limitations, he has several medical needs that need to be taken care of several times a day. He has worked incredibly hard along with his incredible team of therapists, doctors, and teachers to get to where he is today. He is a strong little boy who beats the odds every day. Despite all the challenges he has faced, he continues to have the most amazing personality and spirit. Lucas knows no stranger and can talk to anyone, anytime. He will share with you his love for Disney World, hunting and fishing with his dad, and his love for his baby brother. He has developed a love for art and painting, so he is always eager to show off his latest creations. Featured on his jammie design is one of his ceramic vase’s that he created and the addition of Mickey ears on it for his love of Disney.

His mother states that his life has been challenging, and hasn’t always been an easy road, but the world is brighter with him in it. She said “it takes a village to raise a child and it takes an army to raise a child with special needs!  We are blessed to have so many people in our corner to help with whatever needs he may have.”