A Kane County second-grader is “kicking butt” in his personal fight with a rare form of bone cancer and inspiring others to do the same in their struggles against the disease.

At today’s Kane County Board meeting (Tuesday, July 12, 2016), Lucas Winarski of Gilberts led the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. It was one of a series of public calls to action and recognition of Lucas’ courage.

Lucas Winarski is joined by Kane County Board members Becky Gillam, T.R. Smith and Kurt Kojarczyk.

The soon-to-be-second-grader at Gilberts Elementary School was diagnosed with cancer in August 2015. On May 12, he successfully underwent his fourth surgery to clean out an infection from the tumor-removal surgery he had in March.

Lucas asked the village of Gilberts to consider putting his name on the welcome sign to wish him good luck. The village complied, and posted a special “get well” message on the village’s Facebook page. Area residents came out in force, sending love and positive thoughts to Lucas with more than 550 likes, 133 shares and 94 comments/well wishes. Lucas pulled through the surgery with flying colors, but has had many struggles and setbacks along the way.

Lucas’ family is raising funds to help pay for the endless array of bills that have come with researching, diagnosing and treating the rare cancer called pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma. The vascular tumor had grown on three spots in his tibia and fibula (long leg bones), one spot on his talus (foot bone) and also in the lymph nodes behind his knee and near his groin.

“Treatment and doctor costs are the tip of the iceberg,” Lucas’ uncle said on Lucas’ GoFundMe page. “There are so many other costs such as gas, hotels, travel, food and missed time from work that are piling up fast. Any donation would be much appreciated!

“We love you, Lucas,” the page says. “Time to kick cancer’s butt!!!”

You can read more about Lucas on his Facebook page.

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: Lucas Winarski is joined by family members in leading the county in the Pledge of Allegiance on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.