Vancouver Whitecaps FC is honoured to have Luke as Kid Captain of the club's home match against Montreal Impact on September 16, as part of Major League Soccer's Kick Childhood Cancer awareness and fundraising campaign.
In March 2018, Luke's mother Jocelyn noticed a lump on two-year-old Luke while putting him to bed. After a few doctor's appointments and blood tests, Luke was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and was immediately admitted to BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH).
A bone marrow sample confirmed Luke’s diagnosis three days into his stay at BCCH. His family stayed at the hospital for three consecutive weeks for treatment, followed by two years of traveling between BCCH and their hometown of Chilliwack several times each week. As of July 2020, Luke has completed 27 months of chemotherapy and surgeries at the hospital.
One of Luke’s fondest memories at BCCH to date was his third birthday party with a dump truck theme, something that he was very fond of at the time.
“Luke’s [BCCH] oncology team have been amazingly supportive," said Luke's parents Jocelyn and Colin. "They are always there to answer any questions or concerns we have ever had. They not only make Luke feel special, but us parents feel very taken care of as well.”
The seventh annual Kick Childhood Cancer campaign is a MLS WORKS initiative as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, aimed at highlighting research efforts to find cures for all types of childhood cancer and provide support to one of the most vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
MLS WORKS has teamed with league partner Continental Tire to raise awareness and funds in the battle against childhood cancer. Click here to learn more about the fundraising and awareness campaign.
