Photo: Facebook user Team Trucker – Trucker Dukes Supporters
(popsugar.com) – Even though 3-year-old Trucker Dukes is fighting for his life, he’d prefer to focus on the brave men and women who are working to save others.
After first being diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma at just 19 months old, the adorable little boy from Hawaii came to New York City with his mom for treatment. While the pair are on the East Coast, his father, Joshua Dukes, continues to work in Maui while Trucker’s three older siblings attend school. Since Trucker’s dad is a firefighter, this little boy is used to looking up to heroes and felt completely comfortable finding new friends while in New York among the men and women in uniform — just as soon as he had the chance.
The opportunity first presented itself when Trucker saw FDNY Captain Jim Grismer exit his fire truck while on a call at the Ronald McDonald House, where Trucker was staying. The spirited little boy eagerly approached and quickly made a lasting impression on the seasoned professional.
“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,” Grismer said. “It was as if we’ve been friends and brothers for years.”