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

When a local family set out to organize a simple parade for their 3-year-old son, they never anticipated the extraordinary events that would unfold.

Tucker Langord was born with a rare genetic disorder called Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), also known as “butterfly skin.” It makes even a gentle touch extremely painful.

“He was born with recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis, and we had no clue that he would have this,” his mom Chandler Langford said. “I had a normal pregnancy. Everything went smooth, and then when he was born, he was missing skin on his both of his feet, his chest, his lips and his 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 happy little boy, he doesn’t let anything stop him at all and he’s determined to do whatever he wants to do. And I mean, here he is. He’s Tucker tough and that’s why he has that name,” Chandler said.

This summer, Tucker’s fight got even harder when an urgent care visit turned into a separate diagnosis with his heart. This one, doctors say he won’t beat. So his family decided to bring Tucker home and give him one last celebration.

“I just hope it brings joy and it helps to alleviate some of his pain cause he goes through a lot,” Amy Langford said, Tucker’s grandma. “So now, we’re like, we gotta do everything we can for him and make him feel as happy as he can for whatever time we have with him.”

It started out as a small idea, a family parade with a few trucks just to make him smile. But when a Kansas City fire station shared Tucker’s story on social media, the response was unlike anything the Langford’s could have 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.