Actor Christopher Reeve once said of his alter ego film character Superman: “I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Those fortunate to know Lucas Goldbaum wouldn’t refer to him as ordinary, and Lucas wouldn’t refer to himself as a hero. For the many thousands of people from around the world who have come to know the 14-year-old outgoing, fun-loving boy from Sleepy Hollow that has been valiantly fighting for his life since diagnosed last year with a brain tumor, he is an inspiration.

When Lucas first learned his condition, he wrote: “My story is pretty simple; one day I didn’t have a brain tumor, and the next day I discovered I did. It seemed to have come from nowhere…Now I’ve got to battle this thing in my head and am very lucky to have an unbelievable family and extended family of friends fighting at my side.”

The diagnosis of a brain stem tumor resulted from initial symptoms of double vision in July 2008, recalled Lucas’s mother, Kathleen O’Connell, a 20-year veteran of CBS News, now Senior Story Editor of “48 Hours.” Her journalistic and research skills kicked in immediately.

In search of progressive treatment, O’Connell called on contacts that she made throughout her career, including CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook. She met with the nation’s neurologists, including those working for the National Institutes of Health.

As the search for treatment continued in earnest, the outpouring of support that started locally began reverberating around the globe, thanks to a number of websites and social networking sites, such as the“All with LUCAS GOLDBAUM to fight his Cancer” Facebook page which has over 1,500 members, including Josh Halloway from the hit television show, Lost.

“Lucas is the happiest, most positive warrior there is,” said O’Connell. “This is such a great community that has rallied for him in every way possible. We couldn’t be luckier or more amazed at the amount of support we have received.”

O’Connell’s diligence brought her to discover pioneering research being conducted at the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai. The experimental research was championed by John S. Yu, MD, director of Surgical Neuro-oncology, and Keith L. Black, MD, chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery. They were in the process of developing a vaccine that would trigger a patient’s immune system, which in turn would attack the tumor. As is the case with all experimental medicine, it is extremely costly and not covered by insurance.

Last year, with the aid provided by her friends, family and colleagues at CBS, O’Connell raised the required $250,000 in less than three months. The doctors were amazed and with funds in place, quickly began treatment.

Along with the support from around the globe, including the approximate 20,000 visitors to Lucas’s Caring Bridge website (www.caringbridge.org/visit/lucasgoldbaum), he receives daily prayers from Tibetan Buddhist monks, a nourishing notion that accompanies O’Connell and Lucas each night as they hold hands praying for relief and guidance.

O’Connell thanked the countless friends and members of the community that have donated their time and resources. A fund has been established at the Chase Bank in Tarrytown for those interested in donating to Lucas’s care.

“We are incredibly lucky by the support we have received,” said O’Connell.

Lucas’s prognosis remains questionable as the tumor has show signs of progression limiting his mobility. While he faces more bad days than good ones, his spirit remains triumphant.

“He is insightful and really believes in living life to the fullest – just a great lesson,” O’Connell said. “He is an extraordinary boy. He has shared his message of healing and I believe a lot of people have learned a lot because of him.”

O’Connell, too, has drawn strength from Lucas’s journey and has never tired. Colleagues and friends know her to be a woman capable of moving mountains if they were in her way.

“You would do anything…anything for your child,” said O’Connell. “We are both very close and connected. We are very strong (willed). He is an amazing force wise beyond his years. He never complains or has ever said, ‘Why me?’”

During a snowstorm last month, Lucas was strapped into a rubber tube and enjoyed being pulled though the snow. Along with the family and friends and Scout, the family dog, everyone experienced a day full of smiles.

His spirit and endurance are unmatched.

“We have to fight through this mom,” O’Connell said of a recent conversation with her son. “We are going to fight and fight.”