Help Megan and Jay Care for Luke

Before sunrise on December 13th, Megan Hardee woke up to her 16-year-old son, Luke getting sick in his bedroom. After taking several moments to get him cleaned up and comfortable, sadly a series of physical and emotional trauma for Luke and his family was only beginning. Megan elevated Luke up in his bed and he commented that his vision went black- moments later he began having a seizure.

The paramedics quickly arrived and Luke was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. Even while in professional care Luke had a few additional seizures. Luke, along with his mother Megan, his father Jay and brother Lincoln were terrified, sad and feeling hopeless. After arriving at Rex Hospital, an opening became available at Chapel Hill’s UNC Pediatric Hospital. Luke was admitted right away. Multiple tests and procedures took place to treat and diagnose Luke’s symptoms including fully replacing his antibodies, Cat scans, EEGs, MRIs and a spinal tap. The team at the hospital was caring, thorough and are considered the best in their field. However, Megan and Jay described the more than ten-day experience with their son in and out of consciousness as “living a nightmare”. Although not confirmed, the only prognosis the medical doctors could determine was that Luke had autoimmune encephalitis, where his own immune system was attacking parts of his brain. This is not hereditary or brought on by a previous or existing condition, it is completely random.

As if by a Christmas miracle, Luke was finally discharged from the hospital the evening of December 24th. Luke was wobbly, nauseas and very thin when he returned home. As of today, Luke will continue to ween off several medications for the next 6 weeks.

Support and prayers from those close to the Hardee family have helped them throughout this ordeal so far. Although the full and exact amount Megan and Jay will owe to the hospitals, for Luke’s medications and other unexpected accomadations is not known yet, one can only imagine that it will be in the several thousands of dollars. They have had to reduce their work schedule in order to stay home to monitor their son’s healing in a safe environment. We are starting this GoFundMe account to help them provide the best care possible while relieving the financial strain of it as well. Please donate an amount you feel comfortable with, and it will be greatly appreciated and used wisely. Thank you so much.