Teen Cancer Survivor Gives Back By Starting A Charity Food Truck

Thirteen-year-old Lucas Hobbs, a cancer survivor from Twin Cities, made the most out of his Make-A-Wish grant by starting a charity food truck called Chef Lucas Food. The charity organization is the teen cancer survivor's way of giving back by providing free meals.

CBS Local reported that Hobbs, an aspiring chef, was diagnosed with stage-three Hodgkins lymphoma early last year. He underwent surgeries and chemotherapy for several months to recover from the condition.

"When I was sick, people would bring us food and I thought that was really nice of them," Hobbs recalled. That act of kindness, according to him, had inspired him to think of ways to help others.

"That started to get me thinking about my Make-A-Wish," the teen cancer survivor shared. Make-A-Wish is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children who are diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. Hobbs, whose cancer is now in remission, had wished to the Make-A-Wish foundation of Minnesota for a food truck to provide free meals for the members of his church.

After his wish was granted by the foundation, Hobbs thought it was over. However, his gesture of kindness has inspired others to take part in his charitable efforts.

The teen cancer survivor has partnered with Minnesota Food Truck Association and area restaurants to provide more free meals to Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis Police Department, and a retirement company. Celebrity chef Rachael Ray also took notice of his initiatives and gave him $10,000 to continue providing free meals.

"It feels good to serve," Hobbs expressed. "I see it continuing for a long time."

According to the charity's website, the teen cancer survivor is now working with restaurants to provide a fine dining experience to the family members of children who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The program is aiming to give children's immediate family members an outlet to reconnect, relax, talk, comfort, console, laugh and smile amidst challenges brought by cancer.