Lucas, a 22-year-old with a lifelong history of complex heart conditions, is currently in the ICU at BJC hospital in the heart center in St. Louis undergoing treatment for serious complications related to congenital heart disease. Despite already surviving two open heart surgeries as a child, Lucas has recently been facing new and challenging health issues connected to his original diagnosis and past repairs.

Lucas was born with Tetralogy of Fallot and a rare coronary artery defect that required open heart surgery at just 3 months old. A second surgery followed at age two to remove excess muscle tissue from his heart. These early procedures saved his life—but they also left behind scar tissue that has now led to atrial tachycardia, a dangerous and difficult-to-treat heart rhythm disorder.

He was admitted to the hospital after new symptoms emerged, prompting his cardiology team to begin intensive treatment. This is his third hospital stay for atrial tachycardia in recent months, after a failed ablation and other medicines have been ineffective but caused serious side effects, such as weakening his heart. This planned stay to begin IV amiodarone, a powerful heart rhythm medication, has evolved into a more complex and extended hospitalization. Lucas is also being treated for heart failure symptoms (his heart’s right side is functioning at only 40%), a MRSA infection in his toe, and severe phlebitis (inflammation in the veins) caused by the caustic IV medications. Multiple teams, including cardiology, ICU, heart failure, pulmonology, and surgery, are now involved in his care.

He has developed IV-related complications that may require a PICC line, and ongoing lab work is being done to monitor organ function and side effects. His care has also included breathing support via BiPAP, antibiotic adjustments, fluid management with Lasix, and consideration of minor surgical intervention on his toe. All of this is happening while Lucas is far from home—over 3.5 hours away—with his mom by his side as his primary support.

Despite the challenges, Lucas continues to remain upbeat and grounded in his faith. He has been actively involved on the worship team at his church and has served in missions, always putting others first. Even during this hospital stay, he has kept his sense of humor and perspective, praying for the patients around him and encouraging those caring for him.

Lucas is insured, but his medical expenses have already exceeded $100,000 in the last six months, and his current out-of-pocket costs are $4,268.60 and rising daily. These funds are needed to help with hospital bills, medications, specialist consults, and follow-up care. In addition, neither Lucas nor his mom is able to work during this time, and the distance from home adds to the burden with travel and daily living expenses.

This campaign was created to offer family, friends, and supporters a way to help if they feel led. Every donation—no matter how small—goes directly toward easing the financial load so Lucas can focus on what matters most: healing and recovery.

If you’re not in a position to give, prayers and shares are just as appreciated. Thank you for supporting Lucas during this time and helping him continue his journey forward—both in health and in faith.