Three-year-old Trucker Dukes has not had it easy. The little boy has been traveling back and forth between Maui, Hawaii, and New York City for half his life. While that may sound glamorous, the reason behind his travels is not. When he was just 19 months old, Trucker was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma.
Trucker’s father, a firefighter in Maui, is his biggest idol. The little boy loves that fact that his dad saves lives.
One day, while in New York, Trucker saw FDNY Captain Jim Grismer at the Ronald McDonald House, and he had to run up and introduce himself.
In a Facebook post, Grismer wrote about the experience, saying, “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.”
After learning Trucker’s story, Grismer invited him and his mother to tour firehouses around the city. What’s even more incredible, firefighters from FDNY Engine 22, Ladder 13, Battalion 10 hosted Trucker’s most recent birthday party at their firehouse.
On May 31st, this precious little boy will be named an honorary firefighter by New York City’s fire commissioner. The ceremony will take place at the FDNY Brooklyn headquarters.
Trucker’s mother wrote about their experience on Facebook, saying, “We are so blessed to have been adopted by the FDNY. Time and time again, I have watched big tough men fall in love with Trucker. It’s really something special.”
Were you touched by the way the FDNY took Trucker under their wing? So share this!