Lucas (Luke) Thomas Reichard was born 10 weeks early at 29 weeks and 5 days. He spent 67 days in the NICU before he was allowed to come home.

Luke was home for nearly 2 and a half weeks when his cry for help filled the house. He turned cold, clammy and cried in pain, yet all of his vitals were 100% normal.

911 was called and he was taken to the ER where his condition puzzled everyone, but one thing was certain - he went septic.

Luke was given CPR twice and then flown to John Hopkin’s All Children’s Hospital where the decision was made to have an exploratory surgery of his abdomen. The surgeon didn’t have to look very far because it was exactly what he suspected - intestinal malrotation. Luke’s intestines twisted and kinked the blood flow to his bowels.

Luke’s life was saved, but not without a complication. His intestines had to be put in a silo (bag) outside of his belly. Also, the arterial line in his right leg caused a blood clot, heparin was not helping, and surgical intervention was not an option due to his belly being open. The blood clot puts him at risk of losing his right foot/leg.

Luke has had 4 surgeries on his intestines in less than a week. One on April 11th (the day he came in), 13th, 15th, and the 17th. Every surgery went amazingly, but we have had to watch his foot/leg get worse, better, and worse again.

Luke will most likely lose his toes, but there is a chance that he will keep his foot. He has a long and painful recovery ahead of him, but he has all the strength and support in the world.

He will be at John Hopkin’s for at least a few more weeks where he’ll have 1 on 1 care with the nurses.

Through this whole process we have been so so grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support. The medical community has been absolutely amazing, and we’re blessed to have most of the cost covered, leaving just our deductible. Thank you all, and we will keep you all updated on Luke’s recovery and condition.