About the author

Jessica Discepoli is the devoted author and driving force behind the "Luca Rising" blog, chronicling the incredibly challenging yet inspiring journey of her son, Luca. As Luca's mother, Jessica has dedicated her life to advocating for him and raising awareness about Complete DiGeorge Syndrome, an ultra-rare condition that has profoundly impacted their family. Her writing offers a deeply personal and raw look into the realities of raising a medically complex child, from the earliest days of Luca's traumatic birth and immediate medical interventions to his ongoing path to recovery.

From the moment Luca was born with severe complications, including being unable to breathe on his own and requiring an immediate tracheostomy, Jessica's life became a constant battle for his well-being. She put her career on hold to provide 24/7 care for Luca, spending countless months living within the confines of hospital rooms. The blog often highlights the immense emotional and physical toll this takes, sharing the "debilitating" moments of hearing her son struggle and the terrifying reality that "any infection or any illness could be critical."

Jessica's dedication is unwavering, evident in her constant vigilance over Luca's health, from suctioning his trachea to meticulously managing his complex medical needs. A pivotal moment in their journey was Luca's thymus transplant at Duke University Hospital, a procedure that brought immense hope for his immune system development. Jessica and Luca relocated away from their family for months for this transplant, showcasing her extraordinary commitment to giving Luca the best possible chance at a healthy life.

Beyond her role as a primary caregiver, Jessica is a powerful advocate. Through the "Luca Rising" blog and initiatives like the "Love for Luca" campaign, and advocacy trips to Washington D.C., she actively seeks to connect with others, raise awareness, and garner support for her son and other children facing similar challenges. She envisions a world where Luca can experience all the places people have sent words of encouragement from, highlighting her desire for him to have the life he "deserved, that he's missed out on." Her unwavering spirit and transparent sharing of their family's experiences make her a beacon of hope and strength for many.