When Huntersville residents Megan and Brent Miller look into their son’s face these days, they see joy and determination, despite his challenge of battling pediatric cancer.
The courageous and outgoing Luke recently turned six years old, and his story – thanks to his loving mom – is becoming a shining light to other children and their families who find themselves traveling a similar path.
Luke was diagnosed with stage 3 T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in 2021 at age three, but in February of 2024, he rang the beautiful bell at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital in Charlotte. Ringing that bell surrounded by his family and team of nurses was just the beginning of a heartfelt journey the family has been blessed to share with so many others.
Through the beautiful pages of their hardcover book Luke and the Lost Bell, the Miller family has been able to reach others facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis with a helpful guide on navigating unsure and emotional territory. They describe Luke’s own milestone in a way that speaks to other children, while illustrating the joy of ringing that bell after being declared cancer free. Megan also hopes their book will open up more conversation to celebrate the “good” outcomes that happen, too.
“We’ve heard so many survivor stories,” shares Megan. “We visit the hospitals and get to see the faces; we know the children who are impacted. Seeing parents reading the book makes us feel so connected to them.”
With powerful stories and beautiful illustrations, the book highlights the incredible power of being surrounded by love and support. Luke and the Lost Bell spreads hope and healing to those who need it most, while offering important resources for families searching for answers and inspiration.
Following 132 rounds of chemotherapy and 998 days of in-home chemo treatments, Luke kept a positive attitude throughout his journey, and Megan explains that games and toys that were gifted by nonprofits were essential to spreading a little fun into some very long days.
“He received virtual reality sets, painting sets and books,” says Megan. “That was something that he really looked forward to going to the clinic.” Many of those games and toys were courtesy of the nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation, whose longtime mission has been to deliver happiness to hospitalized children. Megan adds that the excitement of the toys and games – plus the level of comfort he received from his nurses – greatly lessened his fears.
Luke and his parents traveled to Washington, DC last February where Luke spoke on Capitol Hill advocating for increased support for kids like him. The family spoke on behalf of the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, lobbying North Carolina senators and representatives in support of legislation advancing pediatric research and treatment. This coming February, Luke plans to speak again, for children and families experiencing journeys similar to his own.
You can purchase books or request copies for a special clinic or hospital on their website, where a portion of every sale goes to initiatives that bring hope and joy to young patients, or donate online to “Pages of Hope” (via their website) to provide a book for a family facing pediatric cancer. Proceeds from Luke and the Lost Bell help cover distribution costs, ensuring this vital resource reaches hospitals, clinics and pediatric cancer organizations nationwide.
Because of the book and donors’ generosity, the Millers have been able to make donations to three hospitals: UNC Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill, Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital in Charlotte.
“Luke signs every book!” shares Megan. “He is so invested in it now that we hope we’ve created a future project for him later on in life. There is always lots of good to come!”
Visit lukandthelostbell.com to purchase or donate books, and keep the light and joy of Luke’s journey alive and well!
