Trucker Dukes is a brave little boy, fighting a fight none of us should ever have to face.
At just 19 months old, Trucker was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma. Shortly thereafter, Trucker and his mom, Shauna Dukes, began traveling back and forth from their home in Hawaii to New York City for Trucker's treatment.
Trucker has always absolutely adored firefighters, as his dad, Joshua Dukes, is a firefighter back home in Maui.
One day, when firefighters were called to the Ronald McDonald House, where Trucker was recovering from a round of treatment, this little one immediately befriended FDNY Captain Jim Grismer.
The two bonded instantly and, since then, Trucker has become fast friends with every firefighter in Grismer's unit.
Trucker's mother, Shauna Dukes, told LittleThings about helping Trucker through his treatment, "In a lot of ways, this journey has restored my faith in humanity."
Trucker's been such an amazing inspiration to these firefighters that, at the end of the month, they're bestowing him with a glorious honor — swearing him in as an honorary FDNY firefighter!
Keep scrolling to find out how these firefighters are keeping this adorable boy's spirits up as he fights for his life.
[H/T: The Huffington Post]
At just three years old, Trucker Dukes has already triumphed over more than his fair share of obstacles.
When he was just 19 months old, this adorable child was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma.
Upon learning his diagnosis, Trucker's mom, Shauna Dukes, began shuttling her little boy back and forth between their home in Maui, HI, and New York City for treatment at New York's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Trucker's dad, Joshua Dukes, stayed home in Maui, continuing to keep the folks of their community safe as one of their beloved firefighters.
Likely due in large part to his dad's occupation, Trucker has always absolutely loved firefighters.
So when FDNY Captain Jim Grismer showed up at the Ronald McDonald House where Trucker and his mom, Shauna, were staying, Trucker and Grismer immediately hit it off.
Grismer told The Huffington Post of their first meeting, "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.”
Since that first meeting, Trucker and Grismer's team of firefighters have all become fast friends.
In the short time while they've all known one another, Trucker and these firefighters have already shared so many incredibly memorable moments together.
Trucker visits his firefighting friends at their firehouses all the time, and even celebrated his third birthday with his awesome new crew.
Shauna Dukes told LittleThings, "One time 'his boyz' as Trucker calls them invited us for lunch. But trucker was having an awful side effect from total brain and spine radiation and was sleeping 20 hours a day.
"They said, no worries, little buddy. We will bring your mac and cheese to you."
Dukes continued, telling LittleThings, "So, one of Trucker's main 'boyz' FF Francisco Ruiz rallied the boys together and delivered it to the Ronald McDonald House for lunch.
"It was the only time Trucker perked up that whole week was when his boys were visiting."
Even better yet, once a photo of Trucker and Grismer hugging gained traction online, the fire commissioner's office in New York spotted it, and invited little Trucker to become an honorary firefighter.
Trucker will be sworn in on May 31st by Commissioner Daniel Nigro.
Dukes told LittleThings, "When we heard about the FDNY wanting to swear Trucker in we were soooo happy and honored!
"These men have time and time again went above and beyond!"
Though Trucker has already had to brave chemotherapy, as well as tumor removals from his brain and abdomen, his awesome friends inspire him everyday to keep on keeping on.
His mom continued, telling LittleThings, "From lunch at the firehouse to rides in firetrucks to shooting water, we have many amazing memories.
"He really feels like a firefighter because they make him feel like one. It's been amazing!"
She continued, sharing that, "Trucker is so much braver than I am. All these kids fighting cancer are so amazing!
"Even though they feel like junk most of the time they usually have a smile on their face and all they care about really is playing.
"They are sick kids, but they are still kids and are little warriors!"
She continued, advising parents of kids struggling with similar challenges: "To other parents, I would say never lose hope and enjoy every moment because one day at a time is all any of us have really."
Life may have dealt Trucker and his loved ones a heartbreaking challenge, but with friends, family, and firefighters on his side, this awesome 3-year-old has an amazing team rooting for his triumph.
What do you think of Trucker's story? Have members of your community ever rallied around you? Tell us your story in the comments.
Please SHARE Trucker's brave fight with friends and family in your community as inspiration.
