Little Trucker Dukes was diagnosed with terminal neuroblastoma when he was one year old.
All babies develop nerve cells in the womb before they are born and then those cells continue to develop after birth. For most children they develop normally, but sometimes they become cancerous.
Tragically, when Trucker’s family found out about his condition, it was already a stage 4 cancer and could not be cured.
He lived for another two years, sharing his million dollar smile and winning the hearts of many in his short life.
Because his father was a firefighter, Trucker dreamed of being just like him. Is there a cooler dad job, or more popular career aspiration for a three year old?
He saw his dad as a hero.
Trucker didn’t just want to become a firefighter, he loved everything about it, already had a connection and felt like one of the crew. He had visited his dad at work many times and loved sitting the red firetrucks and hanging out with everyone in uniform.
Trucker was born in Maui, Hawaii, where his family still live. His parents heard about an amazing treatment centre in New York City and decided to take their beloved child there for treatment.
Trucker went with his mother and stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, a non-profit organization that supports the health and wellbeing of children.
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) happened to be responding to a call in the same building when Trucker was there. When he saw those familiar uniforms he just had to go and say hello.
“I see this little boy excitedly walking towards me with his eyes aglow. I opened my arms and he basically climbed up and hugged me around the neck. It was as if we’ve been friends/brothers for years” – FDNY Captain Jim Grismer
How sweet!
The NYC firefighters were so touched by his story, optimism, and love for the job, that they arranged to officially swear Trucker in as a junior firefighter in May of 2016.
His dream come true! Am I weeping? Maybe.
He made such an impression on them all that some members of the FDNY even hosted Trucker’s third birthday party!
A Facebook page was created in support of Trucker, where a community was built. He received love from firefighters and people all over the world – the page currently has more than 50,000 followers.
Trucker and his family made the most of the time they had together, and he had the most love and support any child could ask for.
He passed away in his mother’s arms in their Maui home in 2017, but his legacy lives on.
His parents are dedicated to raising awareness for paediatric cancer and organize runs and sell bracelets in support of the cause through their Facebook page.
People from around the world still share photos in his memory, posing with his famous shaka hand gesture.
You can visit the official Team Trucker Facebook Page here to see how you can support their cause.
Additionally, you can give (in a variety of different ways) to the Ronald McDonald House by clicking here.
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