Love for Lucas Rieke

My brother Lucas has had 3 major strokes in less than 3 years. The last two were five months apart, one as recent as this month. All required being flown to a larger hospital, since they live in a small community in Kentucky. Even after regaining physical mobility, there have been a lot of mental obstacles. He has front right and front left brain damage. Drs. recommend that he sleep when possible, as that is when the brain heals. Sleep, brain, and eye rehab has been great in healing him, but furthers his inability to work.

The medical bills have been adding up fast, including lifeflight bills which insurance only pays 1/4 of. In addition, since they live in a rural area, they have to drive 4 hours round-trip to see doctors and specialists. One is as far as a five-hour round-trip. This takes my sister in law Kim away from work during these trips, as she has been an amazing wife and caregiver to him - right by his side through it all. They are very blessed to have access to these great doctors but as you can imagine, time off of work, as well as gas to make the trips, can be very expensive. The cause of these strokes are currently unknown. Luke has had a loop recorder recently placed, in hopes info can be found to learn the cause and prevent future strokes. This makes the doctor visits so much that more important.

They have two amazing children. My niece Kaylee is in her first year of college. She had to move away to go to school, which adds lots of expenses as well. My nephew Kollin has been a great help at home. So thankful for such great kids.

Both Luke and Kim seem to be in great spirits. They are strong people who do not let anything break them down. If anything, they use it to make themselves stronger, both as individuals and as an amazing couple. Luke sent me a text that proves just how great of an outlook he has on life. He doesnt see this situation negatively. Most people crumble when they experience tough times. And here he is, still standing tall after 3. He wrote this, which I want to share. "My first stroke brought me back to my church and the Lord. This has been such a blessing in disguise to help me find God again. My family is closer than ever. Thru these things I have accepted my faith in the Lord's hand. This has brought peace to us and our family." Seriously. How amazing is he?! Thats my big brother alright! Still being the strong warrior he always was. Not breaking under pressure. Not pitying himself. But seeing the positive in it like he always does.

Its important to me to set up this page for them. Most of our family is up North. In times like these, the distance is tough. We want to be able to make a meal to bring over. To shop for them when needed. To help drive to appointments. To clean for them so they can rest. We dont want them to feel alone in this. I know we all want to help take some of the burden off of their shoulders. I wanted to give all of us who love them so much yet feel so helpless from all these miles away to have a way to show them we are there. ❤