Our son Luca was born on September 15, 2022. We learned of his Trisomy 18 diagnosis early on in the pregnancy. Luca was a fighter from the get go and we knew in our hearts that this little miracle was coming to us for a reason. This is not to say that we didn’t experience fear, disappointment and grief, but we knew and trusted that this gift of new life would lead the way.  And so from that point, we were guided on a journey of faith and hope that has and continues to bring us so much love and gratitude. Luca means Bringer of Light. We continue to be amazed and humbled by the ways Luca has brought light and love into our life.  On February 15, Luca’s journey here on earth ended. He was five months old. In his short life, he never left the hospital but yet he was known and loved by so many family and friends around the world.

Our family is beyond grateful for the love and compassion that has been shared and shown to us throughout Luca’s journey by family, friends, acquaintances, medical professionals and complete strangers. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13 and Related Disorders (SOFT) are two of the main resources and supports that Luca and our family benefited from throughout Luca’s journey. 

Luca’s papa, John Foley, made a promise to cycle around Lake Michigan in order to raise awareness and funds for Trisomy 18. It was our hope that Luca would be with us to celebrate his first birthday and the completion of John’s 954 mile cycle together. Although Luca is no longer with us physically, we hope that you will join us in celebrating his life and carrying on his light by supporting this fundraiser Lap the Lake for Luca. John plans to cycle around the lake in a week, completing the cycle the weekend of Luca's birthday. All donations will go directly to Lurie Children’s NICU to benefit children and families. To learn more about Trisomy 18 and to make a donation to SOFT please go to https://trisomy.org/.  We kindly ask that you help us spread the word and encourage you to reach out to us directly if you can help support our fundraiser in other ways. Thank you so much for your kindness, support and generosity! We appreciate you. @lapthelakeforluca