Luca’s Story: Diagnosed with Neutropenia
When baby Luca was just nine months old, he fell ill—and never fully recovered. His mother, Mikayla, tirelessly sought answers, taking him to countless doctor visits until he was finally diagnosed with Neutropenia, a condition that severely lowers white blood cell levels, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. The only cure was a bone marrow transplant.
At eight years old, Luca and Mikayla made the journey from their home in Placer County to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, where he underwent chemotherapy and a life-saving transplant. This difficult chapter in their lives brought them to Family House in January 2024, where they would stay for the next eight months—and which became their home away from home.
From the moment they arrived, Mikayla and Luca were embraced by the Family House community, surrounded by families facing similar challenges. Despite this dark time, they found strength, resilience, and connection. “Family House brought me peace,” Mikayla shared. “You meet others who truly understand what you’re going through, and you don’t feel so alone. Luca’s personality even came back—something I had almost forgotten because he had been sick for so long. There really is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Today, Luca is thriving—a healthy and happy nine-year-old. He and Mikayla will continue returning to Family House for annual check-up appointments at UCSF.