Local
From birthday cards to tattoos, it’s clear 5-year-old Lucas “Bear” Cervone has supporters across the globe behind him as he continues his battle with cancer.
With hundreds of cards delivered to his home in a matter of days, Lucas’ 6th birthday has become more than just a simple celebration.
According to his family, Lucas is spending his days at home opening card after card. But they made sure the young fighter knew that he would be supported in life and in death.
“Tonight as we laid down with Lucas in bed, we told him that if he saw GiGi or Papa Tony or Big Tim or Julia or Anna or Destiny that he didn’t need to be afraid,” his family posted on a Facebook page set up to support Lucas. “They would be there to protect him and keep him safe.”
The Chicago boy was first diagnosed with pediatric leukemia in August 2012.
"He fought through three very long years and very intensive years of treatment and he won, he beat it," said Lucas' father, Anthony Cervone.
But a short time later, he was diagnosed with another form of cancer, this one incurable. After a stem cell transplant in November 2015 and months in the hospital overcoming viruses, Lucas finally returned home, celebrating Christmas with his older brother, Franco, in February.
Then, just a few weeks ago, the Cervone family received the news it had been dreading: doctors found an incurable tumor near Lucas' heart.
"It has been decided that there are no further curative options," the family wrote Monday. "In simplest terms, there is nothing more we can do to fight this. We have started palliative chemo to attempt to slow the growth of the tumor. The tumor is wrapped around the pulmonary artery and is pressing on Lucas' heart."
Shortly after learning of the news, the Cervone family asked supporters to send Lucas cards for his birthday. And send they did.
On top of the cards, people from around the world are sending photos of their Lucas “tattoos,” writing his name on their arms after the family shared images of the young boy “tattooing” friends and family in the hospital.
While the family said they appreciate the outpouring of support for their little boy, they have asked for privacy and that anyone who wanted to donate more than cards instead donate to some of the many organizations that have helped the family through their difficult journey. (See the list here)
"As for Lucas, he is quiet and keeping to himself," the family wrote. "He is grumpy and angry all at the same time. He has every right to have these feelings and we are respecting them. Please keep the tattoos and cards coming. Lucas loves them so far. Thank you for the ongoing support during this extremely hard time."
Letters and cards can be sent to:
Lucas Bear Heroes or Lucas Bear
40 E. Chicago Ave., No. 162
Chicago, IL 60611
