Their son died from choking. Now, these parents are raising money to prevent similar tragedies

A Cape Cod couple whose 23-month-old son recently died in a choking incident hopes to celebrate what would have been his second birthday later this month by providing CPR training, distributing anti-choking devices and educating others to prevent similar tragedies.

The Cook family, of Mashpee, lost their son, Lucian Joseph Cook, on Saturday in "a sudden and tragic choking accident," according to a GoFundMe campaign organized on their behalf, which seeks to raise money for the celebration of Lucian's life on Aug. 31.

The event, open to the public, will provide a space for family and friends to grieve and pay tribute to the boy's "playful spirit." It will feature activities for children, including a children's band, ball pit and a petting zoo, "to celebrate the joy Lucian brought into the world," the GoFundMe page said.

But the event will also include CPR training and a giveaway of Dechokers , devices that its manufacturer says can be used to clear blocked airways during a choking emergency.

The parents are "turning their grief into action by providing vital education to help prevent future choking incidents," the fundraising campaign page read.

Money raised will help the parents cover the birthday event, a funeral, a burial plot and a headstone for their son.

As of Monday afternoon, more than 100 donations had helped the campaign nearly cross its $12,000 goal.

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