Lu’s is for Luciano

A very brave boy

When Luciano was 5 years old, he was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumor called anaplastic ependymoma, grade 3.

He went through three surgeries to remove the tumor and many rounds of radiation therapy. Radiation is usually done under anesthesia, because the patient must not move at all. But his doctors saw what a smart, good boy Luciano was, and they asked our family if we could talk with him about doing it without anesthesia, so there would be fewer chemicals in his body.

After many talks with Luciano, his mom practiced with him how to stay perfectly still. That is how he did most of his radiation sessions without anesthesia.

He was cared for at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston and by the medical team at MD Anderson.

Always full of joy

Even so young and in pain, Luciano always had a smile. In the hospital, where he even spent his 7th birthday, he received countless signs of love: toys, bikes and skateboards. Being there with him, we realized that all of it came through donations.

Luciano also took part in several experimental treatments at research hospitals, including vaccines and a medical device attached to his head.

October 1, 2025

In early July 2025, Luciano was rushed to the hospital with severe pain. The tumor was relentless.

Luciano passed away on October 1, 2025, at home, surrounded by the unconditional love of his family.

Hope for a cure

Through Luciano’s whole journey, we saw how much donations matter and how many smiles they bring to children. That is why we decided to open Lu’s.

Every month, in Luciano’s honor, our family donates to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to support the search for a cure.

We have absolute faith that, grain of sand by grain of sand, through donations and scientific research, a cure will one day be found, so more children can beat this disease.