Our Story

The Lucas Project was a dream that began with Lucas, who was miraculously born to Jess Ronne after he suffered a stroke in utero.

After surviving brain surgery at 3 days old, he has continued to thrive and grow, although his life with profound special needs has been challenging at times.

Jess’s desire was to start a non-profit in Lucas’s honor, but she lacked direction and focus for what this would involve or how it would look.

In 2013, the Ronne family moved to rural Tennessee to pursue a dream of a simple life.

While Lucas thrived in many aspects, Jess and her husband Ryan noticed a lack of resources and accessibility in other areas – particularly in the area of respite opportunities for caregivers.

The Lucas Project was born out of a desire to bridge this gap by offering awareness to the general public in regard to the difficulties and challenges that caregivers face and respite to the caregivers.

Meet Our Staff

Lucas Ronne

Chief Inspirational Officer

Lucas Ronne is the namesake behind The Lucas Project. Lucas suffered from a stroke in utero at 20 weeks old, and doctors told his parents that there was very little hope; however on August 12, 2004 he was born. He underwent successful brain surgery at 2 days old and spent fourteen days in the NICU. When he regained his strength, he was sent home with his parents who would become his forever guardians. Despite his many obstacles in life including hydrocephalus, chiari malformation, scoliosis, autism, ID, limited vision, and low muscle tone, Lucas’s story continues to not only inspire people but also serve special needs families through recognition, respite, and residential support.

Jess Ronne

Founder

Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee With Caregivers, associate producer of the “UNSEEN” and “UNCERTAIN” documentary, and caregiver advocate. She is the founder of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with recognition, respite and resources. Jess and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes is detailed in her memoir, Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga, she can be found at jessronne.com or by reading her most recent books, Blended With Grit and Grace, Lovin’ With Grit & Grace, or Caregiving with Grit & Grace.

Betsy Binish

Executive Director

My name is Betsy Binish, and I’m honored to serve as the Executive Director of The Lucas Project. Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with various nonprofits, focusing on social media and marketing to help amplify their missions and share the stories that matter.

Beyond my professional experience, I’m also a proud mom to two incredible boys, ages 11 and 9. My oldest son was born with cerebral palsy and brings joy to everyone he meets with his quick wit and love of laughter. My youngest is full of energy and keeps our days lively and fun. When I’m not working or volunteering, you’ll likely find me outside—running, rock climbing, or simply enjoying nature.

Sarah Mays

Executive Assistant

Sarah Mays is an essayist, business owner, caregiver advocate, and mother of five. Prior to launching her own business in 2021, she dedicated over fifteen years of her life working with special needs families as a Direct Support Professional and Exceptional Children’s Teacher’s Assistant.

Sarah joined The Lucas Project in 2023 as a social media intern. She now serves The Lucas Project as the Executive Assistant and Administrator for Caregiver’s Cove.

Sarah dreams of someday owning a homestead where her oldest son can live semi-independently, founding a publishing imprint, and hosting retreats for caregiving writers. She and her family currently live in coastal North Carolina, but she calls the Tennessee mountains home.