Luke's Medical Expenses

Eczema. What is it exactly? Many of you might quickly respond with these answers: a rash, a skin irritation, an allergic reaction to foods or something environmental.

You aren't wrong. But, eczema can mean so much more than that. Unfortunately, it's just not that simple.

Eczema is an autoimmune disorder. Most people who have eczema are diagnosed as infants. Some children seemingly grow out of it. Others cope with topical steriods, creams, and lotions their entire lives. And, even worse, some people have eczema so severely that it affects quality of their lives. This is the case with Luke.

Lucas Watson was born over seven years ago to two wonderful parents who were over the moon to welcome their first son into their family. Luke's skin began to show signs of irriation right away. Luke's mom, Tiffany, altered her diet while nursing to accomodate her son's comfort, and Luke's dad, Mark, was immediately on the case. Afterall, he'd suffered from lifelong eczema himself.

For years, Luke's skin was manageable. Constant trips to allergists and dermatologists gave Tiffany and Mark some hope that they were keeping their son comfortable.

Within the last year, Luke's condition has worsened drastically. His allergies have multiplied and compounded. His quality of life has diminished, and in short, he's living half the life a little boy of seven should have to live. Luke temporarily had to be pulled out of school. Upon his return, he was limited to half days. He cannot play outside for long spans of time, and more often than not, even his own clothes hurt his skin. The staff at his school, including his teacher, his nurse, and the principals, have made his altered schedule achieveable. They have been wonderful motivators in keeping this little boy's spirits up as well as helping his parents stay balanced. The whole community has come together in support of Luke's journey to health.

Having already spent thousands of dollars on doctors' appointments, hospital visits, and skin testing, Tiffany finally found a treatment for cases of eczema as severe and dibilitating as her son's. Luke's case is one of the worst cases ever seen worldwide, so what a blessing it was to find Dr. Li. She's based in New York City, and she has done extensive scientific research to find cures and rehabilitation programs for children just like Luke. She is the hope for which the Watson family has been searching and praying all these years.

Dr. Li's world-renowned treatment doesn't come without a price-tag, though. For a case like Luke's, treatment alone can range from $1,000 to $2,500 monthly and typically last three to four years. That number doesn't include travel and appointments. That number only includes the actual supplements and creams/salves.

Tiffany and Luke will be traveling to New York for the first time on June 1 to meet with Dr. Li. They are excited and overwhelmed that they've been blessed with this opportunity at a complete turn-around for Luke's quality of life. However, the financial status that comes along with this kind of break-through treatment is not without burden.

Many people have reached out asking ways they can help this sweet family fulfill their mission to improve the quality of life for this precious boy. Luke's positive attitude through all of this is astounding and humbling.

Your financial gift is graciously received, and your efforts will be blessed. Speaking on behalf of the Luke's entire family, I want to thank you for considering helping this little boy live the life he was meant to live.