On Tuesday, October 8, Montverde Academy will host a blood drive in memory of Luca Arnaldo, a beloved Lower School student who tragically lost his battle with cancer during the summer of 2024. For two years, Luca bravely fought rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Over the course of his battle, he endured over 20 blood and platelet transfusions, chemotherapy sessions, and radiation treatments. Despite these immense challenges, Luca remained resilient, attending school whenever possible and participating in activities he loved, such as violin and robotics.
Luca’s mother, Mrs. Patricia Arnaldo, recalled how Luca, even in the midst of intense treatments, wanted to stay engaged with school life. “He loved music and science,” she said, “and was looking forward to joining the robotics team. He always wanted to participate in school events, even when his health made it difficult.” Luca’s love for learning and his desire to maintain a sense of normalcy left a lasting impact on his teachers, peers, and the MVA community.
Patricia highlighted the crucial role blood and platelet donations played in Luca’s treatment. “He received a lot of blood and platelets transfusions,” she said. “Especially after chemotherapy, when his immunity was low, the transfusions were lifesaving.” These donations provided Luca and countless other children with the strength to continue their treatments.
This personal connection to the need for blood donations inspired Mrs. Arnaldo to propose sharing Luca’s story with the Montverde Academy community, particularly through the school’s regular blood drives. “I thought we could share Luca’s story to help people understand the importance of donating,” she expressed.
Mrs. Margaret Price, Assistant Dean of Students for Multiculturalism, Leadership, and Student Programs who organized the blood drive, emphasized just how critical donations are. “One donation can save up to three lives,” she shared, adding that every two seconds, someone in the United States or Canada requires a blood transfusion. For childhood cancer patients like Luca, the need is even more pressing. “Children undergoing cancer treatments often require more platelet transfusions than blood,” Mrs. Arnaldo explained, encouraging those willing to donate platelets to consider the longer process, as it can be just as vital as giving blood as it prevents severe hemorrhages during treatment. Platelet donations can be scheduled in any of the OneBlood Donation Centers.
Mrs. Arnaldo also expressed her gratitude for the incredible support her family received from Montverde Academy’s staff, faculty, and community during Luca’s treatment. “Ms. Jodi McDaniel and Ms. Shackelford were wonderful,” she said. “Their help with both academic and personal support during such a difficult time meant so much to us.”
“Luca was an exemplary little boy who loved to do all the things a child should: playing with friends, his school, his little brother, Pokémon, and his family,” said Ms. Meristell Shackelford, Dean of the Lower School. “His parents were unwavering in their support and care for Luca during his multi-year cancer fight. They made many sacrifices to give Luca the best treatment options, care, and love any parent could give a child. Paulo and Patricia’s strength, courage, and faith are a testament to their love for their son. Although Luca lost his battle with cancer, his legacy of love, strength, and passion for living will live on forever through his parents, grandparents, little brother, Noah, and all of us in the Montverde Academy family who got to be a part of his journey.”
Ms. McDaniel was Luca’s last teacher and saw the worst of his treatments. “She went above and beyond to support us, so she holds a special place in our hearts,” said Mrs. Arnaldo. “She would hold Zoom meetings when Luca was in the hospital so he could participate in special events in the classroom.”
“It was a privilege to be Luca’s second grade teacher,” said Ms. McDaniel. “Luca was truly an inspiration. His determination and flexibility toward his situation was amazing and commendable. While bravely facing more challenges than any child should ever know, Luca also had a personal goal – he wanted to earn a ‘good citizenship’ award and cross the stage on Honor’s Night to accept his medal. He was so excited about this, and whether he was having a good day or a difficult one, Luca never quit working toward this achievement. I was so proud of him when I had the pleasure of putting his citizenship medal around his neck. Luca and his family had a profound impact on me personally. Witnessing this young boy’s battle and his parents’ strength, efforts, and immense love for him every day affected my perspective. Some of the things I previously prioritized now seem more meaningless. Luca has reminded me that building strong relationships is what’s important and that our time truly is priceless.”
Luca and Daniel Wearing Good Citizenship Medals
“Luca’s previous teachers, Mrs. Sinopoli, Mrs. Rodriguez, Mrs. Garland, and all the enrichment teachers also cared for Luca very much,” shared Mrs. Arnaldo. “The families of the Class of 2034 have also been amazing with us.”
The October 8 blood drive is a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together in Luca’s honor and to help save lives. For countless children battling cancer, blood and platelet donations are critical to their treatment. The MVA blood drive offers a way for individuals to make a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most.
