Honoring the Life of Brad Luddeke

First we would like to introduce ourselves as the creators of this fundraiser - Kailey and Kacee. We both met the Luddeke family in 2017 and they quickly became our family as well. Brad and Evonne welcomed us with open arms and treated us with the same love they have for their daughter, our bestfriend, Chelsea. Since we know this family so well and know that they would not ask for help themselves, we decided to take it upon ourselves to create this GoFundMe. It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission, right? Haha! Brad has been in and out of the hospital for about five months now. Every time we think one diagnosis has been discovered, it seems another medical issue occurs. Both Evonne and Brad have used all of their vacation time and any sick days accumulated for their jobs. Not only are they stressing about fighting for our dad’s life, they are also worried about life outside of the hospital doors. We know that although life is changing and throwing new complications their way, the financial burden does not go away. Medical insurance (no surprise here) has not been on their side as it seems to be constantly adding another thing to their to-do list or simply being told “no, we cannot cover that”.

The medical issue that started with the loss of kidney function - which then led to being treated with 8 hour dialysis daily…has now turned into his third trip to the hospital this year. About two weeks ago, he was discharged from rehab a day earlier than his treatment plan called for, due to insurance coverage. Currently, Brad is in the ICU being treated for loss of kidney function (on a 24 hour dialysis machine), osteomyelitis of the thoracic spine that led to him becoming septic, as well as fluid build up in his left lung. While the doctors are fighting hard to help cure him and diagnose all of his medical issues, it seems that his body is fighting the doctors and itself nonstop. He is on a ventilator right now and it is working 100% for him. The doctors are wanting to slowly take him off but we need prayers that his numbers remain stable enough for the doctors to safely begin that process.

We are asking for your help to relieve the family of any financial, work-related, and any other stress that is stacking up right along with the medical expenses. Whatever you feel in your heart or are capable of donating will be greatly appreciated! We are trusting God’s plan and asking for endless prayers. 

Thank you.

*All donations will help the Luddeke Family with funeral costs, hospitals bills, etc.*

UPDATE from Evonne on (2/16/25):

His oxygen assistance has decreased along with the pain meds and sedation meds but he remains on the ventilator. They are trying to control his blood pressure as he weans down off these meds. The critical care team at the hospital is awesome. He has had 4 blood transfusions. He continues with IV antibiotics and breathing treatments to help with the pneumonia. He is now on hemodialysis instead of peritoneal dialysis and it is a little harder on his body. He was semi awake for a couple of hours this AM but became too agitated so they moved the sedation back up to help him rest. This all came on so quick and he deteriorated so fast. I want to thank each and every one of you -for your prayers, your concern, your donations, and your help in many other ways. I am exhausted but would not want to be anywhere else than beside my husband through all of this and y’all are making this happen. Hugs and love to you all❤️

UPDATE from Evonne on (2/21/25):

The past couple days, Brad has not progressed much. They have done every test in the world to find out why his oxygen keeps dropping. All of them are negative. His lungs are still not clear though and that is the biggest concern. He cannot wean from the ventilator until his oxygen dependence gets down to 40%. He had hemodialysis tonight and that took a lot from him, but they’re going to slowly try to bring his sedation down a little bit tonight now that he is more stable. I hope to have more news in the next couple of days… thank you everyone for all your prayers, support and love. It has helped us tremendously!

UPDATE from Evonne on (2/24/25):

For better or worse, till death do us part…

My dear sweet husband fought a good fight but was too tired to fight anymore. Our immediate family was with him when he took his last breath. We had 28 good years together❤️. I miss him so much already . I want to thank my family, friends and coworkers for all your blessings, financial help, support and love. You have all helped us out more than you will ever know!!