Foundations
Love4Lucas Foundation: A Legacy of Hope and Advocacy
The Love4Lucas Foundation, inspired by the life and spirit of Lucas Harashima, is on a mission to raise awareness about D.I.P.G. (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) and support families affected by this devastating pediatric brain tumor. Founded by Lucas’s parents, Hide and his wife Sansan, the foundation seeks to honor their son’s legacy while advocating for crucial research that could one day lead to a cure.
A Heartbreaking Diagnosis
“Unfortunately, our son Lucas was diagnosed with D.I.P.G. in 2016. He was only six years old, and it’s a devastating diagnosis. No one hears about it until someone they know has it.”
The Harashima family was thrown into a world of uncertainty as they learned about this rare and aggressive brain tumor. Hide continued, “When Lucas was diagnosed, we did everything we could. We searched for information, therapies, and clinical trials, taking him to Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan every day for chemotherapy and radiation.”.
A Selfless Spirit
Despite the immense challenges they faced, Lucas showed incredible resilience and compassion. “Even when Lucas lost his ability to speak, he found ways to communicate his desire to help others,” Hide recalled. “One day, when we took him to a toy store, he managed to tell us he wanted to buy something for his friends instead of himself.”
This selflessness became a guiding principle for the foundation. Lucas’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder that even in the toughest times, love and kindness can shine through.
Raising Awareness and Funds
The Love4Lucas Foundation focuses on raising awareness about D.I.P.G. through various events, with their main initiative being a virtual 5k run/walk held annually since Lucas’s passing. “We raise about $50,000 each year and have participants from all over the world,” Hide explained. “Through social media and word of mouth, we aim to inform people about D.I.P.G. and the lack of funding it receives.”
As Hide emphasized, pediatric brain cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children in the U.S. “If more people are aware, maybe we can attract influential supporters who can help fund more research,” he noted.
Finding Strength in Advocacy
Reflecting on the toughest moments, Hide stated, “The hardest moment is really all of it. The diagnosis day sticks with you because it changes everything—you can’t go back.” He shared the profound challenges of watching Lucas gradually lose his abilities while trying to remain present and grateful for each day they had together.
Through this journey, the Harashima family has transformed their grief into a powerful advocacy for awareness and research. “We want to ensure that Lucas’s legacy continues, that he is remembered not just for his struggle but for his kindness and the joy he brought to others.”
A Shared Mission
The Love4Lucas Foundation’s mission resonates deeply with us. “Organizations like CRF are vital for families like ours,” Hide stated. “They create a community of support, raising awareness and funds that can ultimately lead to breakthroughs in treatment.”
In a world where D.I.P.G. remains a devastating and underfunded disease, we both strive to bring hope to families facing similar challenges. Together, we represent a united front in the fight against pediatric brain cancer, ensuring that no child is forgotten and that every story matters.
The Love4Lucas Foundation is not just a testament to Lucas’s spirit; it embodies a collective hope for a future where D.I.P.G. is no longer a death sentence but a treatable condition, fostering a sense of unity and resilience among families and advocates alike.
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