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, recognition, and accessibility for caregivers.

The Lucas Project was born out of a desire to bridge this gap by raising awareness among the general public about the difficulties and challenges caregivers face.

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 and resources.

Jess Ronne

Founder

Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee With Caregivers, associate producer of the “UNSEEN” and “UNCERTAIN” documentaries, and caregiver advocate. She is the founder of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with recognition 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.

Sarah Mays

Executive Assistant

Sarah Mays is an essayist, business owner, caregiver advocate, and mother of five. Before 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. She 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.