Luca Ryan Raskin

Luca Ryan Raskin, 5, entered into eternal rest on May 20, 2021 surrounded by his family. The name Luca means “light”, and to all who knew him, Luca proved to be a bright light of joy, energy, and laughter. A lover of all things superheroes, Luca proved to be the bravest superhero of all when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in September 2020. Luca faced chemotherapy, total body irradiation, and a bone marrow transplant with superhuman courage, resilience, and strength. On the hard days, Luca was content snuggling with his parents and a soft blanket, and on his good days, he left everyone in awe of his energy and excitement for even the small things in life. Despite having cancer, Luca was able to find joy during his time in the hospital - he loved watching helicopters land on the helipad, running laps and riding bikes around the nurses station, building LEGOs, and making friends with other patients and staff. However, Luca shined the brightest at home, where he could play with his siblings, go for walks and hikes with his family, and eat bowls of popcorn while snuggled into the couch for his favorite movies and shows. Luca was also a huge fan of the Miami Hurricanes, along with his family. He was a proud supporter of the U and slept with a “turnover chain” sent to him by the team. Their support over the last few months brought Luca immense joy. Luca is survived by his parents, Ryan and Ashley Raskin of North Augusta South Carolina, and siblings Peyton “sissy”, Cooper (his bone marrow donor), and Claire. He is also survived by his grandparents Betty Kingdom “Mimi” of North Augusta, SC, Kevin and Kathy Oestreich of Milwaukee WI, Bob Kingdom of Belvedere, SC, Deborah and Peter Friend of Bonita Springs,FL as well as his uncle Kyle Oestreich (Krystal), aunt Carly Kingdom, cousins Reid and Adaline Oestreich, and great grandparents Richard and Jeanne Oestreich, Barbara Vernon, and James Banks. He is preceded in death by his great-grandmother Claire Banks. Luca’s parents and extended family would also like to thank the community for their amazing support, love, and generosity over the last 8 months. So many people helped the family in large and small ways so that they could focus on one another and make the most of the time they had, and for that they are forever grateful. Though ours lives on earth are a little more dim without Luca, we take comfort in knowing his light will continue to illuminate the lives of those who loved him. The family will receive friends at Posey Funeral Directors Tuesday evening from 5 until 7 to celebrate and honor Luca’s life. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.donate.lls.org

Tributes

Luca Ryan Raskin

March 2, 2016 - May 20, 2021