3-year-old Trucker Dukes Dies of Cancer

Trucker Dukes, a three-year-old Maui boy who inspired thousands across the state as he battled a form of childhood cancer, passed away Friday morning, according to a statement on the family’s Facebook page.

Photo taken in mid-February in their home on Maui. Team Trucker Dukes Facebook page

“At 10:10 a.m. on March 3, 2017, in his mamma’s arms, Trucker took his last breath here and went home to be with Jesus,” read the post.
“We prayed that his passing (and I say passing because we have hope of seeing him again in Heaven) would be peaceful, not painful and with ohana there.
Our God answered this prayer.
We are going to honor him and live our lives as better dads, moms, siblings, husbands, wives and people of God. We love you little warrior. Run free in heaven with no pain, no tears, no suffering!! #TeamTrucker #TruckerTough #LoveBeatsCancer” Joshua Dukes, Trucker’s dad.”

Shortly after he was born, Trucker Dukes was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma. He was first diagnosed with the rare and aggressive cancer in November of 2013. After two years of treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and surgical tumor removal in his abdomen and brain, Trucker went home to Maui.

Trucker and family with the Mauli Ola Foundation ohana at Launiupoko last summer. Photo Courtesy Jason Magallenes

Shauna and Joshua Dukes, Trucker’s parents, made the difficult decision to bring him home and treat him nutritionally for a better quality of life.

An Instagram movement, the #TruckerToughChallenge saw thousands of posts with people putting on their best “tough” faces, an act of solidarity that urged him to stay strong as he battled the disease.

On Friday, after news of his passing, the Trucker Dukes social media filled with messages of condolence for the family. On Facebook, the family said they hoped Trucker’s legacy would continue to inspire.

In a video posted last month, Shauna and Joshua said, “If there’s one thing, I hope it is that you love a little harder… a little better. Go home, stop the craziness in your life and just kiss your loved ones more, tell them you love them more. None of us are promised tomorrow.”