The week before he was to start Junior Kindergarten, Luca’s world — and his family’s — was suddenly turned upside down.
What should have been an exciting milestone filled with new beginnings quickly became a nightmare when Luca, who was three at the time, began experiencing a distended stomach and increasing discomfort. His parents, Nicole and Michael, took him to McMaster Children’s Hospital thinking it was only trapped gas, but it quickly escalated into something far more serious. Luca was quickly sent for an ultrasound and x-ray revealing masses in both his kidneys and liver. Further testing confirmed his parents’ worst fears: Luca had a stage 4 Wilms tumor—a rare form of kidney cancer that had already spread to his liver.
Instead of packing a backpack and meeting new friends, Luca began treatment that included surgery to remove his kidney, radiation, and chemotherapy.
“The most traumatic experience any parent can face is seeing their child fighting for their life,” shared Nicole. “If it wasn’t for the people at McMaster Children’s Hospital, I don’t know how we would have made it through.”
Despite the odds stacked against him, Luca faced his treatment with extraordinary courage. In June 2023, he proudly rang the bell at MCH to mark the end of his treatment, and routine scans show no evidence of disease.
Luca is back to being a vibrant, sports-loving boy who would happily play soccer, basketball, or football from the moment he wakes up until bedtime. Known for asking a million questions, he’s the sweetest little guy with a big heart.
But his story doesn’t stop at survival — it’s about giving back. Inspired by Luca’s strength, his school hosted a “Superhero Day,” where students dressed up as their favourite heroes to show solidarity with kids battling cancer. Luca led the charge dressed as Iron Man, and together the school raised $1,000.
For Luca and his family, raising awareness is now part of their mission. From bake sales to ice cream stands, they’ve already raised over $20,000 to support pediatric cancer research. Nicole hopes to see more schools host events like Superhero Day, turning awareness into action for families facing the unimaginable.
“These kids need all the support they can receive,” she said. “Think of the impact Terry Fox made — imagine that for childhood cancer, too.”
Today, Luca is cancer-free, chasing soccer balls, scoring baskets, and kicking footballs with his friends. His bravery and determination remind us that true superheroes don’t just live in comic books — they walk among us, with capes made of courage and hearts full of hope.
To learn more about Luca’s family’s fundraising initiatives and Nicole’s commitment to building community, please visit @donate4kids and @goldenmoms05 on Instagram.