05/29/2026
If you know Mr. C (Luke Cisar), you know one thing for sure: he shows up.
For the past five years, Mr. C has been a beloved paraprofessional at Mars Area Centennial School, pouring into students with encouragement, humor, kindness, and unwavering support. To so many students, he is a safe place, a smile in the hallway, and one of the loudest supporters in the stands. Whether it’s a school event, basketball game, concert, or extracurricular activity, there’s a good chance Mr. C is there cheering students on. He has always believed in rising above challenges, learning from them, and continuing to move forward no matter what life throws your way.
Now, Mr. C is facing one of the biggest challenges of his own life.
Born with Spina Bifida and already navigating life in a wheelchair, Mr. C recently experienced an unexpected medical crisis that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. What began as a serious infection quickly turned into a life-changing surgery and a long road of recovery, rehabilitation, and adjustment.
Yet even through it all, his outlook has remained remarkably strong.
In his own words:
“Not giving up, just changing pace.”
That mindset is exactly who Mr. C is. He continues to focus on recovery, setting new goals, and getting stronger each day. But while he works toward healing and regaining independence, the financial impact of this unforeseen situation has been significant.
After being out of work for over a month, Mr. C is facing a temporary loss of income during recovery. While he hopes to return to some of his summer work as he is able, he has had to step away from other planned employment opportunities that would have helped support him financially. Everyday expenses like rent, monthly bills, accessibility needs, transportation, and ongoing rehabilitation costs are now creating an added burden during an already difficult transition.
Recently, Mr. C moved into an ADA-compliant home, but additional modifications are still needed, including adjustments to the entry ramp for safer accessibility. He is also navigating new transportation challenges and may need a more accessible vehicle as he adapts to life after the amputation. Future prosthetic and mobility-related expenses will continue to bring significant costs in the months ahead.
Anyone who knows Mr. C knows he would never ask for help for himself. He has spent years encouraging students, supporting the Mars community, and reminding others to keep going even when life gets hard. Now it’s our turn to support him.
If you are able to donate, share this fundraiser, or keep Mr. C in your thoughts and prayers, it would mean so much. Your support will help provide stability and accessibility during this life-changing transition so Mr. C can focus fully on healing, recovery, and building this next chapter of his life.
Mars has always been proud to call Mr. C one of our own. Now it’s time to show him just how loved he truly is. 💙💛
If you know Mr. C (Luke Cisar), you know one thing for sure: he shows up. For the past five… Lindsey Demetris needs your support for Showing Up For Mr. C
