Get Well Lucas

Late this summer, while on a family vacation, Lisa and Tim had noticed that something was bothering Lucas.  They brought him to the emergency room twice and on both occasions were told that he was exhibiting symptoms of teething.  After waiting a few days, Lucas had become more agitated, lethargic and began exhibiting weakness in his legs.  Lisa and Tim decided to leave vacation early so he could be seen by his pediatrician.  Around 2:30 AM Friday, August 20th, Lisa heard Lucas fussing in his crib and went to check on him.  After consoling him, he settled down but Lisa had an instinctual feeling that something wasn’t right.  She brought Lucas back into his room and tried to have him stand-up while holding the side of his crib; a skill that he was previously doing independently.   He immediately collapsed, falling onto the mattress.  He was unable to stand or sit-up unsupported.  Lisa and Tim immediately rushed him to Maria Ferrari Children's Hospital were Lucas underwent numerous tests including, bloodwork, CT scans and a spinal tap.  All of these tests came back inconclusive.  The doctor's then ordered an MRI to further investigate the cause of the paralysis.  One hour into the MRI, the doctors abruptly stopped the test.  They had found a large clot on Lucas’ spinal column.  They were notified that surgery was absolutely necessary if there was a chance Lucas would be able to use his legs again.   Lucas endured a six hour operation to remove the clot.  The reason for the clot is still unknown and is being called a spontaneous spinal hematoma.  The neurosurgeon was confident that the clot had been removed successfully, however due to the location of the clot Lucas began having difficulty breathing on his own.  Lucas was intubated and sedated for 10 days.  After numerous consultations, it was determined that it would be in Lucas’ best interest to have a tracheostomy to help restore independent breathing ability.  Lucas began his journey to rehabilitation on Monday, September 12th at the Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  He will be receiving inpatient speech/feeding therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy for at least 8 weeks to help restore leg movement, breathing abilities and feeding/swallowing skills.

Lisa and Tim are sincerely grateful for everyone’s support, prayers and encouragement.  There has been an out-pouring of requests by family, friends and co-workers wanting to know how they can help.  This fund has been established by Lisa and Tim’s family to help them with medical expenses, commuting expenses and the costs of everyday life.  We encourage family and close friends to help contribute in any way possible. This fund has been posted by Chris Long, Lisa’s brother.  Anyone wishing to validate the authenticity of this fund can reach out to myself.  We are eternally grateful for everyone's support and generosity.  God bless Lucas and his road to recovery.