Chuck Lukkason and Family

In March of 2019, our friend and high school classmate Chuck Lukkason suffered a stroke while undergoing a routine medical procedure. In a matter of seconds, life as Chuck knew it changed forever. We all have fond memories of Chuck while he and his family grew up on Oak Street in Grand Forks. It seemed Chuck was never without a smile. Chuck’s stroke has left him paralyzed on his left side. The inability to use his left leg and arm has made simple things like using the bathroom, taking a shower, or walking up or down steps extremely difficult. The stroke wasn't caused by lifestyle or health issues but by air entering his venous system, causing an embolism to the right brain. Legal recourse was unsuccessful as it was such a rare event, and specific preventative technology which would prevent this has not been adopted nationally. Their lives have been forever changed.

Since his stroke, Chuck has been unable to work. Although Chuck’s wife Michelle takes time off to care for Chuck when she can, she needs to continue to work full-time as an LPN to help with living expenses. Chuck and Michelle downsized to a smaller home but are unable to cover not only everyday living expenses but also vital services and equipment.

Medicare covers the cost of a limited number of physical and occupational therapy sessions but does not cover the cost of a personal care attendant (PCA}. PT and OT services are vital to improve Chuck’s mobility. Chuck and Michelle also need additional updates to their home, including adding a wheelchair ramp, installing additional railings, and remodeling a bathroom to include a walk-in shower. In addition, Chuck is trying to secure the use of a bionic type of device to assist him with moving his left arm.

All of us are blessed in many ways. Please consider helping a friend and classmate with a financial contribution. Your contribution will secure a lifetime of continuing PT, OT and PCA services. Your donation will also help them purchase a power wheelchair, construct a ramp into his house, install new railings, remodel a bathroom, and acquire a bionic device to help with his left arm. If you cannot help financially, please keep Chuck and his family in your prayers.

While you consider making a gift, please know that the outcome Chuck has had to endure following his procedure and will have to endure the rest of his life, could literally happen to any one of us. Chuck’s medical mishap was compounded by a small hole in his heart, of which more than 25% of people walking around today have the same condition.

Thank you and God bless.