Lucas Ransom is raising funds for a Hoyt Running Chair so he can become the first Traveling Hero for Akron Children’s Hospital at the Akron Marathon
By Karli Keene
If you measured strength in smiles, Lucas Ransom would be one of the strongest people on the planet. His easy smile can turn even the worst day into a better one. But for a boy with complex health conditions, it isn’t always as easy as he makes it look.
Lucas arrived in the world early—at 33 ½ weeks—with a cleft palate, but the serious health conditions Lucas would soon face would be far more shocking.
Lucas spent a month in his birth hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit where his parents learned how to use his nasogastric feeding tube and doctors ran dozens of tests. Six days after coming home, Lucas had appointments with doctors for his cleft palette, his reduced muscle tone, and genetic testing. Lucas looked sick and, after two appointments, was rushed to the ER.
“Lucas died in the elevator on the way to the PICU,” recalls his mom, Beth. “People swarmed around him and we stood there watching them perform CPR to bring him back. It was such a traumatic event. For the next 48 hours, we didn’t know if he’d make it.”
Diagnosed with a bacterial infection, Group B strep, as well as meningitis, sepsis and hydrocephalus, Lucas received strong antibiotics to help fight the infection and was placed in a medically-induced coma. For nearly three months, Lucas fought for his life.
On Easter, Lucas opened his eyes. But the ordeal wasn’t over. Another emergency surgery and frightening visit to the PICU would take place before reaching his six-month birthday.
Once home, Lucas began physical, occupational and speech therapies, as well as seeing several specialists. Managing his complex health required 24-hour care, which became financially and emotionally challenging for his family.
Several years and many doctor visits later, Lucas began integrated preschool. He loved learning and taught his class how to sign. Now age 9, Lucas attends his local elementary school. He’s learned to read, write, talk and walks independently.
Lucas’ family is raising money for a special running chair so Lucas can be the first Traveling Hero for Akron Children’s Hospital at the Akron Marathon. Not only will this allow Lucas to compete in races with his father, Brent, an avid runner, but it will also allow their family of five to participate in activities they enjoy together, such as running, hiking and biking.
“I run to show my son that you aim for the moon,” says Brent. “In reality, he is the one teaching me that never giving up and flying over mountains that seem impossible to climb are just part of his everyday life..”
To make a donation toward a Hoyt Running Chair for Lucas, please visit GoFundMe.com/f/running-wheelchair-for-akron-marathon-and-more.