When I think about my brother, I think about the kindhearted and humorous person he was growing up. A passion for skateboarding, good movies, and Jesus. The most non-judgmental and accepting person I have ever known, still true to this day. We’ve always had a close relationship, despite being 9 years apart in age.

Since 2017, Luke has been battling different medical issues that have gone without a definite diagnosis.

This first sign of trouble was absence seizures. The seizures then led to Luke losing his ability to speak, walk, or function independently.

During the summer of 2018, Luke was admitted to Emory in Atlanta, where doctors could not find an answer to explain Luke’s condition. He was then transferred to Northside Forsyth, where he stayed the remainder of the summer.

Still, with no answers, we left the hospital discouraged as the doctor informed us he believed Luke would only have 3-6 months to live in this condition (he was not eating, drinking, talking, or walking) he had lost so much weight and his vitals were not good. The doctor decided to treat him for autoimmune encephalitis after a spinal tap that showed abnormalities.

God was faithful; after physical therapy, Luke slowly regained his strength and began walking again. And after speech therapy, Luke slowly began talking again. Although it took a few years, by 2020, he was speaking on a regular basis. We were so thankful that God allowed him to progress in such a positive way, especially after hearing the previous doctor’s report.

Still not back to himself 100%, Luke continued to struggle. Having good weeks then followed by bad weeks. After seeing several different neurologists, they recommended IVIG therapy for possible autoimmune encephalopathy. Initially these treatments seemed to help increase Luke’s attention, mood, strength, and overall well being, but unfortunately as of the past 6 months, the treatments are not working as well as they once did.

Our family has exhausted all options around us locally and we are still fighting for an answer for Luke. We want to give him the best opportunity for living his life to the fullest, no matter what the diagnosis might be.

It has been a long, challenging 7 years. My mom has been Luke’s 24/7 caretaker, putting his needs before her own, and sacrificing so much of her life. She has remained faithful and hopeful through it all that God will provide.

The Lord has truly been with Luke and our family every step of the way on this journey, and we know that he will be with us as we travel to the Minnesota Mayo Clinic to see the Neuro Immunology department.

Please help us pray for the doctors and staff who will be seeing Luke, and for our family as we try to support Luke the best that we can.

We are so thankful for the prayers, generous donations, and support. Thank you for loving my brother and for helping us make this long awaited visit to the Mayo Clinic possible.

I pray that God richly blesses you for the kindness you’ve shown to my family.