Lucas’ journey began on July 6, 2019 when he was born to Bailey and Peyton Ellis with a rare spinal cord injury that severely impacts his physical mobility. He spent his first 30 days in the NICU recovering from respiratory distress induced by his condition, and was later mis-diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. For nearly three years, Lucas received treatments based on this diagnosis, all while his devoted parents sought answers through various avenues of medical investigation.

In June of 2022, Lucas and his parents embarked on a life-changing journey to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for a second opinion and a new MRI. This critical examination revealed scarring at the C2 level of his vertebrae, definitively identifying the cause of Lucas's health issues: a rare spinal cord injury. With this newfound knowledge, Lucas' family began their search for a specialized treatment center, leading them to the University of Louisville’s Kosair Charities Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery at the Frazier Rehab Institute (Frazier) in Louisville, KY.

Frazier specializes in pediatric spinal cord injuries, making it the perfect fit for Lucas's ongoing care. The institute welcomed Lucas with open arms, inviting him to participate in a 60-day physical therapy research study. From November 2022 to April 2023, Lucas dedicated himself to this study. Through locomotor training on a treadmill, as well as targeted occupational therapy for his upper extremities, Lucas has made significant strides in his abilities. At the conclusion of the study, Lucas has continued the intensive physical and occupational therapy regime in Frazier’s clinical therapy program.