Donate to Cover Lucas's Lifesaving NICU Care

Friends, my name is Lisa Yockel. My grandson Lucas was born in September, 3 months early. My daughter Jennifer had no reason to suspect that there was anything wrong. As a matter of fact, Jennifer, Dan, and their almost 2-year-old son had just moved to Rochester 10 days before and were excitedly opening boxes and imagining life in their new home. One evening, Jen had pain that felt like contractions and later that night went to the ED to get checked out. They found her in active labor and sent her by ambulance to Strong. There was no stopping that baby. He was coming that night at only 25 weeks - ready or not. In that moment, I pleaded with God to keep her safe. She delivered my grandson - he survived - 2 lbs and critically ill.

Over the next 3 months, the incredibly skilled teams at Strong’s NICU brought him from surviving to thriving, and we are forever grateful for their dedication. It’s not an unusual outcome. So many people told us their stories of preemie babies “turning out” perfectly healthy. But it was hard to believe it as we were thrust into the world of small baby critical care: brain bleeds, heart vessels not closing, ventilator settings, tube feedings, risk of blindness. My gentle, loving daughter mothered her tiny baby boy with unbelievable courage and tenderness. She went to the NICU almost every single day to be with him so he would know he’s loved.

We are blessed with a positive outcome for our little Lucas. He’ll be going home soon. The reality of what it costs for 3+ months of advanced technology and top-notch care is looming overhead.

Now we are having to reckon with deductibles, copayments, high out-of-pocket limits, and denial and appeals. This is a difficult burden to shoulder on top of the emotional toll.

Many people face similar challenges of digging out from huge medical bills for lifesaving care.

As a mother who watched her most giving and loving daughter nurture that small baby with every ounce of her heart and soul, I am compelled to look to my community of life companions for help to relieve some of the financial burden so she can love him at home with less anxiety about their future.

We are fundraising to help cover the medical expenses for Lucas's NICU stay and ongoing care.

Please consider:

Thank you, thank you, thank you!