Our Mission is to help children with serious illnesses or conditions “live well” during their journey of diagnosis, receiving treatment and recovery. Our aims are to raise awareness and funds to provide children and their families with support to pursue treatment and medical care.
Our goal is that each child who has been given a difficult diagnosis receives support to make their lives as comfortable as possible while on their treatment journey. Support services include financial assistance for treatment, lodging, transportation and social support services.
Our projects and missions are evolving and we look forward to sharing them. Please follow us to be informed of all the projects we support.
Born on May 22, 2006 in Royal Oak, Michigan, Luke was welcomed into his adoring family and surrounded by a gregarious, fun-loving network of cousins, aunts, uncles and friends who loved him dearly. Luke was only 12 years old when he was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare form of brain cancer that impacts only 200-300 children annually. These children are typically between the ages of 4 and 11. DIPG accounts for roughly 10-15% of all brain tumors in children.
Luke had an infectious laugh and confident smile. He was a connoisseur of fine dining, the latest fashion trends and loved family vacations at the beach. He was incredibly athletic and could effortlessly toggle between sports. Luke gravitated toward soccer, taking the field with his brother Daniel by his side. Often competing with one another, Luke and Daniel were bonded as one, spending nearly every waking moment with one another. Together, Luke and Daniels days were filled with sports, swimming and endless pranks with their cousins at their annual summer Kids camp. Luke especially loved spending time in Michigan surrounded by his large family and group of friends. But most of all, Luke enjoyed a very close, joyful relationship with his father, mother and his beloved brother, Daniel.
Luke’s life was characterized by his strong Christian faith that gave him strength, courage and love for others. Luke was an active member of his church community and served his church and community throughout his life.
On December 13, 2019, Luke Mankabady peacefully reunited with the Lord surrounded by his family. In honor of Luke’s legacy, Luke's Kids Foundation was established in 2020 to offer support to other children and families who are dealing with serious illness.
