Born into love.
Born on May 22, 2006 in Royal Oak, Michigan, Luke was welcomed into an adoring family and a network of cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who loved him dearly.
An athlete and a brother.
Luke had an infectious laugh and a confident smile. He was a connoisseur of fine dining, the latest fashion trends, and family vacations at the beach. He was incredibly athletic and could effortlessly toggle between sports, but soccer was where he and his brother Daniel took the field together. Luke and Daniel were bonded as one, spending nearly every waking moment with each other. Their days were filled with sports, swimming, and endless pranks with their cousins at their annual summer Kids camp.
"Luke gravitated toward soccer, taking the field with his brother Daniel by his side. Together, they were bonded as one."
A faith that gave him strength.
Luke's life was characterized by his strong Coptic Orthodox faith. He was an active member of his church community and served his church and community throughout his life. The faith that grounded him gave him strength, courage, and a deep love for others.
A diagnosis.
At 12 years old, Luke was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and devastating form of brain cancer. DIPG affects only 200 to 300 children annually, most between the ages of 4 and 11, and accounts for roughly 10 to 15 percent of all childhood brain tumors. There is no cure.
Going home.
On December 13, 2019, Luke peacefully reunited with the Lord, surrounded by his family. He was 13 years old.
A legacy in motion.
In honor of Luke's legacy, Luke's Kids Foundation was established in 2020 to offer support to other children and families dealing with serious illness. We carry Luke's faith, his joy, and his belief that every child deserves to live well, even through the hardest fight.