Lucas Strong

Lucas Klingeman’s fight began at just two years old. After a seemingly minor fall in 2021, doctors discovered a life-threatening brain bleed. He underwent emergency brain surgery and spent weeks in the PICU, where further testing revealed leukemia.

Lucas endured years of hospital stays, procedures, medications and treatment. In September 2024, he finally rang the bell at Cardinal Glennon, celebrating the end of treatment.

For nearly a year, Lucas remained cancer-free. Then, on July 20, 2026, his family received devastating news: the leukemia had returned. Lucas was diagnosed with Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia (MPAL), a rare and aggressive form of the disease.

Lucas is responding well to treatment, but many unknowns remain. His medical team is working toward a possible bone marrow transplant as he continues facing a difficult road ahead.

Through a brain bleed, emergency surgery, years of treatment and now a relapse, Lucas continues to smile, fight and show everyone what true strength looks like.

He fought before. He is fighting again.
LUCAS STRONG.