Parents: Paul and Frances Hammond
Siblings: Michael (14), Evan (11), and Annie ( 1 ½)
Grandparents: George and Joan Hammond; Tony and JoAnne Smulders
Birthday and Age: October 22, 1999 and presently 5 years old
Home: Amherstburg
School Info: Attends St. Joseph School in River Canard in a Grade One setting

Story
Lucas is the third of four children. He is a funny, lovable, unbelievably strong, captivating and determined child.

It was a Monday, like every Monday before it… or so it seemed. Lucas came home from school complaining of sore legs. His teacher even remarked that he was rather weepy through the day and when she asked him what was wrong, he would say that his legs were aching. We spent the majority of the evening taking turns rubbing his legs hoping that it wasn’t anything more than growing pains. By morning, Lucas seemed like he was back to his cheery self but was very low key and spent the day watching cartoons on the couch. When he woke up Wednesday morning, he was eager to get to school. He returned from school later in the day. He didn’t have any leg pain, but I noticed that he only nibbled on his lunch. By Friday, Lucas was feeling very wilted. He was tired, had no appetite, had incredible pain in his belly and started to vomit. We spent another evening rubbing his pain away.

When Saturday came, and Lucas was no better, we decided that he needed to see a doctor. Paul took Lucas to the ER in Windsor. The ER doctor ordered a CBC (complete blood count) and decided that Lucas needed some IV fluids. The fluids seemed to perk Lucas up. The blood work showed that his hemoglobin was low and the doctor thought that he was anemic. He strongly urged us to take him to our family doctor for a thorough check.

Sunday came. Late in the day, we received a call from the ER doctor, again strongly urging us to take Lucas to our family doctor. We both knew then, that this was something bigger. Frantically searching the internet, we came across symptoms for leukemia. Lucas had all the classic signs. But surely, our Lucas, did not have leukemia. He just couldn’t.

First thing Monday morning, we called our doctor to tell him what was going on. He quickly set an appointment for the early afternoon. By this time, Lucas was extremely weak. He could hardly hold his head up and would quickly fall asleep. He still had pain in his belly. Our doctor recommended that we take Lucas to a pediatrician who would admit him to hospital and give him the IV fluids that he desparately needed. He, too, thought Lucas was slightly anemic and would address it once Lucas was feeling better.

The pediatrician gave Lucas a thorough examination. He had his suspicions so he ordered more tests and some xrays. Lucas was admitted to hospital.

It was the next morning that we heard for the first time what NO parent should ever have to hear. “We think your son has leukemia”. Lucas was immediately transported by air ambulance to the Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario where he began the fight for his life.

Leukemia has certainly taken us on a roller coaster ride. It is certainly not the path we would have chosen for Lucas but we must take it and do what we can to make sure that Lucas reaches the straighest path to a complete cure.

To be a star,
you must shine your own light,
follow your own path,
and don't worry about the darkness,
for that is when stars shine brightest!
— author unknown

For more information about Lucas, please visit his website: http://www.caringbridge.org/canada/lucashammond

Favorites
Color: red
Number: Nick / pet names: Luke
Hospital staff: Camp Trillum staff: Teacher: Treatment friends: Katie B.
Friends: Events / moments: his 5th birthday party with the firefighters; his MAW trip to Give Kids the World and Disney
Pets: Sadie
Past time/interests: T-ball, hockey, firefighters and other rescue heroes
Traits: funny,
Child’s Wish (and Dreams for the Future): Lucas loves anything to do with rescue heroes. When he grows up he’d like to be a policeman or a firefighter.


Mom and Dad’s Wish and Dreams for the future
Our dream for Lucas would be to live a long and happy life free of disease.