Help Luke Thrive: From NICU to Home!

We are SO excited to announce that after 18 long months in the hospital my adorable nephew, Luke, is FINALLY going home! For the first time!

My sister had Luke at 24 weeks and 0 days, which is the very first day of viability outside of the womb. His twin brother was in distress, so he had to come out very, very early. Tragically, his twin brother Owen passed away, and Luke began his uphill battle to grow stronger. Luke was born at a large 1.8 pounds (the size of an elf on the shelf doll) but he was determined to fight for his family and his twin Owen who didn't make it.

And fighting has Luke done! But his fight continues as he makes this transition home. Luke is unable to breathe on his own and requires a breathing machine 24/7. He also uses a g tube (or feeding tube). During his stay, he underwent open heart surgery, has faced broken ribs, kidney stones, rhinovirus, and has even had to be revived twice with CPR while beginning his life at Lurie Children's in Chicago. To say Mom and Dad have been through quite the scare multiple times is an understatement!

But Luke is so TOUGH! A true warrior. Until today he's never felt sunshine or the wind on his face but what's incredible about Luke is that he is always smiling! He is such an inspiration to anyone he meets and really puts things into perspective of what matters in life.

As Luke's parents begin their journey home today, they are faced with caring for their medically challenged, super sweet boy 24/7 along with his wonderful big brother Jack! Luke is expected to need his ventilator until roughly 4 years old. They are terrified, but with the support of a team of nurses working from their home, therapists, and doctors, we know Luke is in good hands!

Having a medically complex child has a financial burden attached to it and I would like to help lessen that for the family after all they've been through. Lukes parents (my sister and brother in law) have been through a tough storm with a large stack of medical bills after an 18 month stay in the NICU/PICU. A majority of ventilated children live in single income households due to the full time care that is needed for them (even with nursing support). My goal is to provide the Unger family with a little breathing room for all these challenges over the next few years. I am elated the family will finally be under one roof! Luke is an inspiration and deserves to be celebrated!

Any bit helps! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!

Jill (Luke's Aunt)