FAMILY FEARS Patrick Mahomes’ family plead for fan’s prayers after young relative of Kansas City Chiefs star fights rare cancer
.
.
.
FAMILY FEARS: PATRICK MAHOMES’ FAMILY ASKS FOR PRAYERS AS YOUNG RELATIVE FIGHTS RARE CANCER
Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs superstar and two-time NFL MVP, is known for his unshakable composure under pressure. But off the field, Mahomes and his family are facing one of the toughest challenges of their lives — supporting a young relative who is fighting a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer.
The family’s heartbreak began only weeks ago, when Luka, the grandson of Mahomes’ cousin, was diagnosed with stage L2 intermediate neuroblastoma — a rare cancer that affects roughly 800 children in the United States each year. Luka, just eight months old, had been perfectly healthy until a terrifying incident during a family vacation changed everything.
A TERRIFYING TURN OF EVENTS
According to family accounts, Luka accidentally inhaled swimming pool water during a vacation outing. Initially, his parents believed it was just a minor scare. But in the following days, Luka began showing troubling signs — breathing difficulties and unusual lethargy.
Concerned, his parents rushed him to the hospital. What doctors found was far worse than anyone could have imagined. Tests revealed a large tumor pressing against Luka’s lung. The diagnosis was swift and devastating: stage L2 intermediate neuroblastoma.
“He was such a happy, healthy baby — none of us saw this coming,” said a family friend. “When the doctors told them about the tumor, it felt like the world stopped.”
A FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE
Luka underwent emergency surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, spending five harrowing days in the intensive care unit. The procedure, while successful in easing pressure on his lung, was just the beginning of his journey.
Doctors recommended immediate chemotherapy to combat the aggressive cancer. Luka began treatment within days, and his tiny body has been enduring the grueling effects of chemo ever since.
“Watching a baby go through something like this is unbearable,” said a family member. “He’s so small, but he’s fighting with the heart of a warrior.”
RANDI MAHOMES’ EMOTIONAL PLEA
Patrick Mahomes’ mother, Randi Mahomes, has taken to social media to rally support for Luka and his parents during this difficult time.
“Please join me in continuing to pray for my cousin’s grandson. Sweet Luka is still fighting Stage L2 intermediate neuroblastoma,” Randi wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “He is undergoing chemo and fighting hard. Please pray for this sweet family as they are going through one of the hardest trials of their lives.”
Her message, accompanied by a photo of Luka in the hospital holding onto a stuffed toy, quickly drew thousands of comments and words of encouragement from fans and friends alike.
THE MAHOMES FAMILY’S SUPPORT
Patrick Mahomes, who is known for being close to his family, has remained largely private about the situation but has reportedly been in constant contact with his relatives. Sources close to the Chiefs quarterback say that he has been offering both emotional and financial support to ensure Luka receives the best possible medical care.
“Family is everything to Patrick,” said a source close to the Mahomes family. “He’s heartbroken over what Luka and his parents are going through, but he’s doing everything he can to support them.”
Mahomes, who has two young children of his own — Sterling Skye, 3, and Bronze, 1 — has often spoken about the importance of family in interviews. “Being a dad changes your perspective,” he once said. “Family comes first, no matter what.”
WHAT IS NEUROBLASTOMA?
Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, typically affecting children under the age of five. According to the American Cancer Society, only about 800 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S., making it an uncommon but highly challenging illness to treat.
The disease can manifest in various parts of the body, but in Luka’s case, the tumor’s location near his lung made it particularly dangerous.
“Neuroblastoma is a difficult cancer because it can grow quickly and spread before it’s detected,” explained Dr. Melissa Grant, a pediatric oncologist not involved in Luka’s care. “The good news is that treatment advances have improved outcomes for many children, especially when the cancer is caught early and treated aggressively.”
FANS AND FRIENDS RALLY BEHIND LUKA
News of Luka’s battle has sparked an outpouring of support from Mahomes’ fans, many of whom have followed the quarterback’s career since his breakout years with the Chiefs. Social media has been flooded with messages of love, prayers, and encouragement under hashtags like #PrayersForLuka and #MahomesFamilyStrong.
“Patrick has given us so much joy on the field,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “Now it’s our turn to give back and support his family through this.”
Even Chiefs teammates and NFL players have shared messages of hope. “Prayers up for Patrick’s family,” one teammate posted. “We’re all behind you.”
A FAMILY UNITED BY HOPE
For Luka’s parents, the journey is overwhelming. Balancing hospital visits, treatments, and the emotional toll of watching their child endure pain has been exhausting. But they say they’ve been buoyed by the love and prayers from family, friends, and strangers around the world.
“It’s hard to explain how much it means to know people are praying for us,” Luka’s mother said in a recent family update. “We don’t feel so alone, and that makes all the difference.”
The family has also started a fundraising campaign to help with medical costs, which are expected to be substantial.
LOOKING AHEAD
Luka’s battle is far from over. Doctors say he will need several more rounds of chemotherapy, and possibly additional surgeries, to fully combat the cancer. Despite the daunting road ahead, the Mahomes family remains hopeful.
“Luka is strong. He’s got the spirit of a fighter,” Randi Mahomes wrote in another post. “We believe in miracles, and we believe he’s going to beat this.”
HOW TO HELP
For those who want to support Luka’s fight, the family has asked for continued prayers and positive thoughts. They also encourage donations to reputable pediatric cancer charities, such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which helps fund life-saving treatments for children battling serious illnesses.