Ambers Support Fund

If you know Amber, like really know her, one of her most important personality traits that she would describe herself and most proud of is Grit. Gritty people are determined, resilient, and have the self-control to keep going even when facing tough obstacles. For the last 9 weeks Amber has had to rely on her grit to advocate and fight for herself and her health after an injury at home. She has had to endure unbelievable pain and discomfort, has been unable to use her right leg, and had very limited motion or strength with her arms and shoulders.

After multiple visits to the ER, chiropractors, physical therapists, her general practitioner, neurologists, and orthopedic doctors, finally a CT scan showed very large pockets of sepsis in her lower back, hip, and pelvis. On top of that it was determined that she had kidney failure, bacterial blood disease, and a hemoglobin level of 4 (a healthy female is at 12-13). She was rushed to South Bend Memorial where she was immediately started on blood transfusions, which she ended up having three transfusions. This was followed by a lengthy surgery with very large incisions in her back and hip. The surgery lasted over 4 hours last Friday to drain and clean the sepsis from her body, which was successful. During her surgery, the infection was determined to be a staph infection in her right hip joint that had spread and was much larger than initially thought, wrapping itself around major arteries, large nerve endings, and around her spinal cord. Her recovery so far has been extremely painful and slow.

Continuing to advocate for herself, Amber pushed for additional imagery on her shoulders. Six days after her first surgery, imagery determined that she also has several sepsis pockets in her shoulders, which will now require surgery to both shoulders as well to remove them. She is currently awaiting a full body scan before her second surgery to determine if there is any other sepsis pockets.

Amber is now entering her second week at the hospital and it is unknown when she will be able to return home. She is incredibly upset that she has lost the 9 weeks with her family; Oliver’s football games, Zoie’s basketball tournaments and soccer games, baking at home w Bella, spending time laughing with Lope, and of course time with her husband Zach. Her family have all been at her side to support her, but the road ahead is still uncertain. We want to make sure that we do our part to lighten the stress and financial burden that may come because of what Amber has had to endure. Any donation, even a little bit, is greatly appreciated and will help cover current medical cost, future rehabilitation and physical therapy, eventual homecare, and living expenses.

Your generosity and kindness means the world to us. Every bit of support helps, and we are incredibly grateful for any assistance you can provide, whether it’s through a donation, a share of this campaign, or just continuing to keep Amber and her family in your prayers.

Thank you for being part of our support system at this challenging time!

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

The Lucchese Family