Before Passing Away, Terminally Ill Toddler Who Loved Firefighters Meets NYFD Heroes

Sep 06, 2019 by apost team

Trucker Dukes is proving to be an inspiration even after his death.

The boy from Hawaii was only three years old when he passed away after suffering from neuroblastoma cancer. Trucker was one year old when he was diagnosed with a stage four progression of the disease. He sadly passed away in his mother's arms at his home in Maui on March 3, 2017, after battling the neuroblastoma for two years.

While fighting cancer, Trucker often traveled to New York City for treatment. One day while staying at the Ronald McDonald House, he was able to meet some of the city's finest members of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). It was natural for Trucker to gravitate toward the firefighters since his own dad, Joshua, is also a firefighter in Maui.

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FDNY Captain Jim Grismer shared an especially tight bond with Trucker, as evidenced by all of these touching photos of the pair. On May 31, 2016, Trucker was officially sworn in as a FDNY “Junior Firefighter." This is an honor that the FDNY bestows on children that are battling serious illness and disease.

Trucker was also able to celebrate his third birthday with his favorite heroes when the FDNY hosted a special party for him. Trucker's mom, Shauna, said that her brave son actually believes that he is a New York City firefighter.

Eventually, Trucker's family decided to stop the treatments in New York and bring him home to Maui to treat him nutritionally. Trucker, his parents, and his three older siblings were gifted with a special family trip to Whistler, British Columbia to enjoy some time together in the snow.

After they returned home from the trip, it became apparent that Trucker's condition was worsening. 

Trucker took his last breath while resting at home. Although he went peacefully, that did not ease the devastation felt by his family. Even the fire departments in New York City and Maui were touched by this sweet life. Both departments paid tribute to his memory by putting his name on their riding lists.

Since his tragic death, Trucker's parents have been fighting tirelessly to raise awareness about pediatric cancer. Now you can spread awareness as well by posting these touching photos of Trucker so that everyone you know will also see them.