Tucker Langford has endured a lifetime worth of pain in three years. He was born with a disease often called “butterfly skin,” which causes blisters and open sores from the slightest touch. His mom says, “He’s a happy little boy, he doesn’t let anything stop him at all, and he’s determined to do whatever he wants to do.” His can-do attitude earned him the nickname “Tucker Tough.” Then brave Tucker was dealt another blow.

In August, doctors discovered fluid building up around his heart, dubbing this second condition terminal. “They told us that they were pretty much at their end of what they can do for Tucker.” Doctors told the family that Tucker has only a few months—or even weeks—left to live.

A city comes together

The family decided to throw Tucker a parade. “We wanted something small.”

They hoped a few community members with construction trucks would stop by, perhaps a police car. Then Kansas City Fire Department Station 10 posted a parade event on social media.

The next day, the post had 5,000 shares. The result was a parade so large, the city had to change locations twice. It lasted for over two hours and had more than 2,000 vehicles. Authorities needed to cap it and turn vehicles away. The news called it one of the longest parades in Kansas City history. From motorcycle clubs to the fire department, everyone showed up. Many vehicles carried signs that read, “Tucker Tough.” And Tucker was ecstatic.

You can see parade footage in the video embedded below: