KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sometimes the smallest heroes have the biggest hearts.

A local family thought they were planning a simple parade for their 3-year-old son, but what happened next was something no one could have imagined.

Tucker Langord was born with a rare genetic condition known as Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), also referred to as “butterfly skin,” which makes even the slightest touch excruciatingly painful.

“He was born with recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis, and we were completely unaware he would have this condition,” shared his mother Chandler Langford. “My pregnancy was typical, everything went smoothly, and then at his birth, we discovered he was missing skin on both his feet, chest, lips, and fingers.”

Doctors warned Tucker’s parents early on that he might not live to see his first birthday, but he’s defied the odds, and never stopped fighting.

“He’s a cheerful little boy. He doesn’t let anything hinder him and is determined to pursue whatever he desires. He’s Tucker tough, and that’s why he has that name,” Chandler said.

This summer, Tucker’s battle intensified when a visit to urgent care revealed an additional heart condition. Doctors have indicated that Tucker cannot overcome this new diagnosis. In response, his family chose to bring him home for one more special celebration.

“I hope it brings him joy and helps ease some of his pain because he endures so much,” expressed Amy Langford, Tucker’s grandmother. “Our focus now is on doing everything we can for him to feel as happy as possible in the time we have.”

What began as a modest idea, a family parade with a few trucks to make him smile, blew up beyond expectations after a Kansas City fire station shared Tucker’s story on social media, generating an overwhelming response that the Langford family never imagined.

“It just blows us away. When we were driving, I almost wanted to cry because just seeing all the support for him and for us, I mean it’s our dream to do something for Tucker and spreading awareness and this is one way to spread the awareness about EB,” Chandler said.

From big trucks, to bikers, local law enforcement and even animals, thousands of people from across the country showed up for an unforgettable day to make sure Tucker felt like the hero he’s always been.

“He’s just an amazing kid as far as the stuff he’s endured, the stuff he’s gone through,” Rick Langford, Tucker’s grandpa said. “And he just keeps smiling on you know. He just loves life. He’s always put his pain off to the side so he could love us and make us smile. That’s what he’s all about.”

Because some hearts are tougher than anyone could even measure.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Tucker’s family with medical bills.