On October 26, 2013, just 3 weeks after his 5th birthday, Luke was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. Over the course of nearly ten years, Luke courageously battled cancer until his passing on August 2, 2023. He endured countless surgeries and biopsies, chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants, antibody therapies, immunotherapy, and several clinical trials. He continued to attend school through 8th grade with his twin sister, Leia. Luke's family and friends continue to carry on his story and memory through Team LukeStrong.
Team LukeStrong has been shaving with St. Baldrick's since 2014. Team LukeStrong exists to raise money to make a difference in the lives of children and their families who have been stricken with childhood cancers. Since our first shave, we have spawned a second team in North Carolina, Brudders4Luke. After starting as a small team of 3 in 2014, Team LukeStrong has blossomed to more than 20 members and continues to shave at multiple events. This dedication to raise funds & Luke's "Never tell me the odds!" attitude inspired the creation of the LukeStrong A Force Against Neuroblastoma Childhood Cancer Fund.
LukeStrong A Force Against Neuroblastoma Childhood Cancer Fund was established to further fund neuroblastoma, immunotherapy & targeted therapeutics research, and childhood cancer supportive care & survivorship. Luke benefitted throughout his battle from many St. Baldrick's-funded treatment, facilities, & caregivers. We hope to help find new therapies that are more kid-friendly & effective. We hope to support the survivors of childhood cancer on their long road ahead. With St. Baldrick's, we hope to find the next preventative or, if necessary, treatment for neuroblastoma.
LukeStrong!
Donations given to the LukeStrong A Force Against Neuroblastoma Childhood Cancer Fund have funded a Consortium grant for the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) Consortium New Approaches to Neuroblastoma (NANT) Consortium and a St. Baldrick's Fellow grant for Matthew Kudek, M.D.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.
These people make us smile - they're the doers and money-raisers on behalf of the LukeStrong A Force Against Neuroblastoma Childhood Cancer Fund. They're shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.
Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to support our Hero Fund! A dedicated staff member will guide you every step of the way—and you’ll have fun doing something great for kids with cancer.
Register to shave your head and support our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event worldwide! No event nearby? Go virtual and shave anytime, anywhere.
Not into head-shaving? No problem! Start a fundraiser for our Hero Fund doing something you love—bike a marathon, host a bake sale, anything goes!
Need help? Email us at Funds@StBaldricks.org
St. Baldrick’s Foundation
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The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization, IRS identification number 20-1173824.
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