Support for Megan Schenke and family

On April 12th, 2024, our lives took an unexpected turn when my wife and mother to our two young children, Megan Schenke, suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke when a previously unknown atrial venous malformation in her brain ruptured while she was working out at the gym. This medical emergency required immediate and intense medical intervention.

Megan was emergently medevac’d from Whitehorse General Hospital to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), where she bravely underwent a craniotomy to remove the aneurysm and blood clots. Her journey has been grueling, with many days spent in ICU followed by continuous care in the Vancouver General Neuroscience Ward. Thankfully, Megan has made significant progress and was able to return home briefly, bringing immense relief and joy to our family.

However, the road to recovery is long. On May 8th, Megan will begin an intensive rehabilitation program at GF Strong Rehabilitation Center in Vancouver. The duration of her stay is uncertain, and the journey ahead is overwhelming for us as a family.

As Megan focuses on her recovery, she will be unable to work for several months, possibly longer. Though she does have disability insurance, this will take 3-5 months to kick in. The financial strain of medical expenses, ongoing care, and travel costs for our family to support her—visiting her every other weekend in Vancouver so the kids aren’t too traumatized by this experience—will be extensive.

We are reaching out to ask for your support during this critical time. Your contributions will help cover the mounting rehabilitation costs, and travel expenses, ensuring that our children can stay connected to their mother, and aiding her recovery with the comfort of family.

We do not ask for your help lightly. It is in times like these that the support of family, friends, and kind-hearted strangers becomes a beacon of hope and strength. Please do not feel compelled to provide support but any contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated and will make a significant difference in our lives. We already feel so supported by our community who have been providing meals to our children and Megan’s sister while Megan was hospitalized at VGH.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your thoughts, positive energy, and contributions mean the world to us as we navigate this challenging journey. Together, with your help, we can support Megan on her path to recovery and bring her back home where she belongs.

With heartfelt thanks,

Luke, Megan, Rylan and Max