Meet Lucas!

Meet Lucas! This sweet boy loves to watch Youtube and can always be found playing out in the sun or watching movies with his siblings. Lucas has always been supported by a tight knit community, and he inspires everyone to be kind and inclusive to individuals with special needs. To learn more about his amazing accomplishments, the wonderful nonprofit Lucas' mother started in honor of him, and more, read the interview down below! 

​1. Hello! To start off, can you tell me a little bit about Lucas? 
When Lucas was 20 weeks in utero, he suffered a stroke and the doctors said that there was very little hope that he would survive. However, he proved them wrong! He did live and was born with profound and complex needs including autism and hydrocephalus, which is the buildup of fluid in the cavities of the brain which requires a shunt.  Lucas was delayed and non verbal for most of his life until recently. He is able to say a few words now!  He needs assistance in every aspect of life including mobility, eating, bathing, dressing, and speech. 
 
 2. What would surprise people the most about Lucas?
How much he truly does understand.  At first glance, it would appear as if he’s not interested in most  conversations; however, that is usually not true!  He is very attentive and works very hard to understand what others are saying. 
 
3. What does Lucas love to do? What is his personality like?
Lucas is more of an introvert and often keeps company by himself. However, he loves spending time with his siblings, watching Youtube, and reading rhyming stories like “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”.  He also loves to soak his face in the sun and is always down for a fun picnic at the park! 
 
4. What are some of Lucas's best strengths?
His tenacity and persistence. Every single thing that people said he would never do, he has accomplished.
 
5. What are some of your favorite resources as a parent?
I love the Facebook group Finding Coopers Voice, which is a safe space celebrating the unique challenges of parenting special needs children. I also started a non profit in Lucas’s honor called The Lucas Project (https://www.thelucasproject.org/) which provides recognition, resources, and respite to special needs families. 
 
6. What has your son taught you?
Definitely patience!
 
7. If you could tell the world one thing about Lucas, what would it be?
This kid is going to change the world in some way.