The Carter family has transformed personal loss into a powerful legacy of hope and impact. Following the passing of 13-year-old Scott Carter from osteosarcoma, his family founded the Scott Carter Foundation to carry forward his vision of funding cancer research. Since then, the foundation has raised millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research. Today, the Carter family continues to honor Scott’s memory through their involvement with MIB Agents, where Luke serves on the Junior Advisory Board, and through new initiatives like MilesCount. Together, their efforts reflect a deep commitment to advancing research, advocacy, and community for families affected by osteosarcoma.
Can you share a bit about your background with osteosarcoma and how the Scott Carter Foundation began?
Cason’s younger brother, Scott, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and passed away at age 13 after a three-year battle. Scott was known for his humor, generosity, and unwavering optimism—he made everyone around him feel inspired. Because of this, Scott has given hundreds of pieces of sports and celebrity memorabilia from famous athletes. He always imagined using these items to raise money for cancer research. It was from this desire that the Scott Carter Foundation was born. Since its inception, the foundation has raised millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research through an annual golf tournament and auction.
2. When did you first connect with MIB Agents, and what inspired you to get more involved?
Paula, Cason’s mom, first connected with MIB Agents through her work with the Scott Carter Foundation, since both organizations support pediatric cancer families—especially those affected by osteosarcoma, the same cancer Scott had. Around that time, our family got more personally involved through Luke, who wanted to find his own way to give back beyond the foundation. He first helped MIB by creating portraits and “calling cards” for kids to leave with congressional offices during a lobbying effort his sophomore year. Soon after, he joined the Junior Advisory Board, which deepened his connection and gave him a chance to meet others who had been touched by osteosarcoma. It’s been a meaningful way for him—and for all of us—to continue Scott’s legacy in a new and personal way.
3. What has been the most rewarding part of working with MIB Agents?
The most rewarding part of working with MIB Agents has, without question, been the relationships that have come from it. Luke has formed genuine friendships with other Junior Advisory Board members, and he looks forward every year to seeing everyone at FACTOR and on the monthly Zoom calls. Those connections have been incredibly meaningful to him and have deepened his sense of purpose. Another highlight has been participating in Climb the Hill and sharing this important mission with congressional staff. As a family, we’ve loved hosting the kids for dinner during that event—it’s always inspiring to hear their stories and see the impact they’re making together.
Luke, how has your experience on the Junior Advisory Board been?
My experience on the Junior Advisory Board has been one of the most rewarding and impactful parts of my high school years. I’m constantly inspired by both the patients and families MIB helps and by my fellow board members—there’s never a zoom call or in-person meeting where I don’t walk away amazed by someone’s strength or perseverance. It’s given me perspective on what really matters in life and reminded me how powerful community can be. I’ve loved being part of FACTOR, especially the FACTOR Prom, where we all get to relax and have fun together. And Climb the Hill has been especially meaningful—it’s incredible to feel like the work we’re doing is actually helping to make a difference.
Can you tell us more about MilesCount and what it’s been like, Luke, to start this organization?
I started MilesCount at the end of my sophomore year as a way to turn all the miles my teammates and I run into something that could make a difference. I wanted to raise money for adaptive sports programs that support kids—many of whom are cancer survivors using prosthetics—and to build a volunteer base to help those programs grow. Together, our team raised over $12,000, most of which went to a local nonprofit that runs adaptive sports events, as well as to MIB Agents for Climb the Hill. Starting MilesCount was definitely more challenging than I expected, but it taught me a lot about being resourceful and creative when facing roadblocks. The best part has been seeing all the communities I love—running, MIB, and adaptive sports—come together.
What advice would you give to other families who want to make a difference?
There’s never a perfect time to get involved—life with kids is always busy, and schedules are packed. But even small efforts matter, and once you start, it grows. Don’t let the idea that you don’t have enough time stop you; sometimes you just make it happen, even when life feels full. We’ve found it’s also important to choose something meaningful to your whole family and find ways everyone can contribute in their own way. In our case, each of our kids has helped the pediatric cancer community differently—Jake loves being the emcee every year at the Scott Carter Foundation auction because he loves being on stage, Henry has worked on video projects with the Scott Carter Foundation and CureSearch because of his interest in videography, and Luke started MilesCount as a way to combine his interest in running with helping the pediatric cancer community. When everyone brings their own strengths to the table, it becomes something that unites your family and makes giving back even more rewarding.
Looking ahead, what gives you the most hope for the osteosarcoma community?
What gives us the most hope is the incredible collaboration and support within the osteosarcoma community. It feels like, more than ever, organizations are coming together to advance research and improve life after cancer. The partnership between Kids v Cancer and MIB Agents is a perfect example of how working together can make real progress in advocacy and patient support. We’re also continually inspired by the exceptional leaders in this space—Anne Graham, in particular, embodies what meaningful change looks like. And seeing the next generation, including the Junior Advisory Board, stepping up with such passion and purpose gives us even more hope. Their drive and compassion remind us that the future of this community is in very good hands.
