Kind, big-hearted, hardworking, loyal friend, loving son.
Luke was a kind and warm person who made friends easily and strived to make everyone feel included. He played several sports and loved the community they provided. Throughout his life, he played soccer, dek hockey, football, basketball, baseball, and enjoyed skiing. Football was his favorite. He played both offensive and defensive lines. Luke played football through his first year of college, and when playing organized team sports ended, he played pickup basketball. He got his first all-terrain vehicle at 14 and spent countless hours riding with his friends on trails in their town. Throughout his childhood, Luke took trips to Kentucky to visit family. They bonded over sports, as all were avid fans of the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats. The love of these teams was something he and his mom shared together.
Luke faced arrest after years of hiding his addiction. It was at this point his mother realized he was suffering from substance use disorder (SUD). Luke was very open with his mother about his struggles and willingly attended several rehabilitation programs and lived in a couple half-way houses. They were incredibly close during this time, working together to overcome his addiction. The two talked regularly and played phone games together. Luke was serious about getting better and tried everything he could.
Luke achieved cum laude honors when he graduated from Fitchburg State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He loved working, as it was another opportunity to connect with people. Luke began working for a local Asian restaurant at 16 and remained there throughout his life, learning every position in the company. He took great pride in his work. He especially loved the owners and their children, who called him Uncle Luke. He considered them his second family. On his work breaks, he taught the kids how to play basketball behind the restaurant. They are now on basketball teams and look up to heaven at Luke when they score.
Luke had many things to be proud of over the years, like his youth football team reaching the national championship, being voted football team captain, and completing a 30-day Outward-Bound Wilderness Leadership Program where he lived in the woods of Minnesota. In 2022, Luke wanted to pursue another career path and was excited about obtaining his commercial driver’s license. Being denied the opportunity devastated him and after ten months of sobriety he relapsed. He immediately went home, where he diligently pursued another treatment program to enroll in.
Martha says she wants to remove the stigma about SUD so people don’t feel ashamed and can pursue treatment earlier. She strongly advocates for more research into early intervention and treatment, to alter brain functions and prevent the activation of addiction or manage it better. More than anything Martha misses Luke’s voice and his nightly, “I love you,” texts.
Lucas’ Mother, Martha McDonald, provided the information for this narrative.
December 28, 1996–August 26, 2023-Age 26
Portrait Artist: Theresa Clower
Narrative Writer: Victoria Estes
