Luca's Story

Luca's parents, Lisa and Jim, always had a feeling that something wasn't quite right with their infant son's digestive system. After seeking answers for several months, Luca's parents were devastated to learn that their now two-year-old son had cystic fibrosis, a chronic and life-limiting illness. Once the news set in, Lisa and Jim were determined to be Luca's greatest advocate for his health.

Today, Luca is managing his cystic fibrosis well, but this comes with strict daily regime. Twice a day Luca must do his pep mask and lung vibration physiotherapy, in addition taking up to 30 pills each day.

Luca makes regular clinic visits to BC Children's Hospital to see a variety of specialists such as dieticians, cystic fibrosis doctors, and also trips for x-rays and blood tests. At times Luca has been admitted for up to two weeks for a "tune up".

Luca has shared his daily routine with his classmates and volunteer fundraisers at BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Through his presentation "A Day in the Life with cystic fibrosis" Luca takes his audience through his day of physical therapy, multiple pills and clinic visits.

Lisa often says that CF is an "invisible" disease, as when you meet Luca, he looks very healthy. Luca's outgoing personality and winning smile make it hard to believe that underneath lays a disease that he battles every day.