Submitted By Kevin O’Malley
The Hoosick Falls St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is proud to announce that hometown superhero Luke Hoag will be the first-ever Junior Grand Marshall of the Hoosick Falls St. Patrick’s Parade. The Committee is bestowing this honor on Luke because, despite all the difficulties he has faced in his young life, Luke is always thinking of and helping others.
When he was just eighteen months old Luke was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and his family’s lives were forever changed. Doctor’s appointments, surgeries, chemotherapy and more, became part of Luke and his family’s lives. Through all of this, what stands out to Luke and the Hoag family is the generosity of others, especially the Hoosick community. But even with all the support, the family needed a break, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation provided the opportunity. Luke’s wish was to meet Lightning McQueen at Walt Disney World and Make-A-Wish made that happen. On that trip the family made memories and enjoyed laughs that will be forever dear.
When he was seven, Luke made a decision; it was time to give back. He insisted it was his turn to make sure that someone else with a life-threatening illness got to get his or her wish of a lifetime, and that’s exactly what he set out to do.
Working with Macy’s annual “Believe” campaign, Luke worked to raise money for the Foundation to make other kids’ dreams come true. Luke’s goal was to collect as many letters to Santa as possible, because he knew the “Believe” Campaign would provide up to a million dollars for kids based on how many letters were collected. He was thinking about the other kids. Every year since, Luke has been leading the way, encouraging people to take the time to write a letter to Santa and make someone’s wish become a reality. For every letter Luke passes on to Macy’s, they in turn donate to Make-A-Wish. Last Christmas, with the help of friends and family from all over the country, Luke collected almost 66,000 letters, which he and his family delivered to Macy’s NYC Headquarters on “Believe Day” and the proceeds were doubled. Luke’s leadership, courage, tenacity, and huge heart raised $130,990 this last year alone, helping to make other young people’s lives brighter.
The winter holidays have different meanings and memories for everyone. Some are happy, others are sad, and for many, the holidays revolve around mounds of gifts. Luke understands and models the true meaning and spirit of Christmas: giving to others. It is through his selfless acts of kindness that he helps others find strength and courage.
The St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and the Hoosick community are both proud of Luke and are truly inspired by him. He is a true hero in our midst and the best of examples for all of us.