Cancer stricken toddler who cherished firefighters, meets New York hearth division heroes earlier than passing away!

A 3-year-old boy who suffered from most cancers had impressed many individuals in his quick life. With a love for hearth departments and hearth vehicles, he was even made an honorary junior firefighter by the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY).

Trucker Dukes from Maui, Hawaii, was recognized with a childhood most cancers, often known as neuroblastoma, and in stage four, when he was one 12 months previous. After battling the most cancers for 2 years, he handed away at his Hawaii dwelling on March three, 2017, in his mom’s arms. The information was introduced on Team Trucker, the Facebook web page devoted to the younger boy.

“Trucker’s passing has been the hardest experience you can imagine. Now we get to celebrate his extraordinary life,” his mom, Shauna Dukes, mentioned in an announcement to ABC News.

After Trucker was recognized with most cancers, the household despatched him and Shauna to New York City to obtain remedy.

When Trucker was in New York, he befriended the NYC firefighters after they responded to a name on the Ronald McDonald House, the place the younger boy was staying.

“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, mentioned to Huffington Post.

In May 2016, the FDNY informed ABC News that Trucker was sworn in as a FDNY “Junior Firefighter” on May 31, 2016, an honor that FDNY bestows on younger kids who’re battling with sickness. He additionally celebrated his third birthday with a celebration hosted by a number of the firefighters from FDNY.

“He actually thinks he’s a firefighter in New York. We’ve had unbelievable support from firefighters all across the world, actually,” Shauna mentioned to ABC News.

Trucker has a love for hearth departments and hearth vehicles, as his dad, Joshua Dukes, is a firefighter in Maui.

Hoping for a greater high quality of life, his mother and father determined to cease the therapies and introduced him dwelling to Maui to deal with him nutritionally, the Maui News reported

When the social media marketing campaign: “#TruckerToughChallenge” was launched in January 2017 by his household, the firefighters additionally participated, together with many celebrities, to point out assist to the younger boy whereas he fought most cancers.

While Trucker battled with most cancers, his household, which consists of three older siblings, additionally created fantastic recollections with him. The household went on a visit to Whistler, British Columbia, and was handled to a lodge and in addition snowboard leases and classes for the kids.

“We made some really, really amazing memories, but at the same time Trucker started getting worse. It was a double-edged sword. Shauna and I really enjoyed spending time with the family, but we knew what the next chapter was going to be,” Joshua mentioned.

After they returned dwelling, Trucker’s legs began to swell and he was in a lot ache that he couldn’t sleep. “He’d wake up screaming at night from the pain. He’d literally wake up 30 to 40 times a night,” Joshua mentioned.

“It was really, really challenging,” he continued. “I think towards the end we started praying that God would heal him or God would take him because we didn’t want to see him suffer anymore. Honestly, when he died, he took his last breath and that was it. It wasn’t violent, and he was in my wife’s arms and he was home with his family. That was a miracle,” he added.

After Trucker’s passing was identified, the hearth departments in New York City and Maui paid tribute to him by placing his identify on their driving checklist.

The household has been advocating to lift consciousness of pediatric most cancers. “I don’t know what the future looks like for us, but I’ll never stop raising awareness. Hopefully, one day there’s something less toxic and not as harsh for someone else’s baby,” Shauna informed The Maui News.

Nearly 5 months after Trucker handed away, his father up to date Trucker’s Facebook web page to announce that the gravestone had been put in on July 26. He additionally wrote a touching message to Trucker.

“It’s so strange because I’m somehow comforted that your headstone is installed now and honors you and your legendary life, but heartbroken because no matter how many times I visit your grave I know your not here with us. I miss you so much kiddo. It feels like I have a hole ripped in my heart,” the put up learn.

The put up continued: “Remembering our times with you, like we were reminiscing the face you made when eating limes today, is like walking on the edge of a sword. The memories bring so much joy, but cut deep at the same time. Know that there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you.”

“I want to be the type of husband your mom deserves. I want to be the father you deserve. I want to be the type of friend that you would want to have. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better man. I wouldn’t trade any one of your memories to be rid of the pain. I love you son. See you in heaven,” Joshua wrote.

Credit : http://www.ntd.television/inspiring/tales/cancer-stricken-toddler-who-loved-firefighters-meets-new-york-fire-department-heroes-before-passing-away.html