12.11.25

Tomorrow marks a moment we have all been longing for, as Lukas prepares to return to the comfort of his own home. The family has lovingly readied his room, filling it with warmth and anticipation for his arrival. Their excitement is palpable, and every detail reflects just how cherished and celebrated this homecoming truly is. As Lukas takes this significant step forward, the atmosphere is filled with hope and gratitude, with everyone eager to support his continued recovery in a space surrounded by love.

09.11.25

The family hopes Lukas will be discharged before his 4th birthday next week. With hospital bills now at 4 million pesos, they remain optimistic about settling the amount and leaving the hospital soon. They continue to request assistance and emphasize that the Philippine health care system is very different from Norway's. Any financial support during this time is truly appreciated, and the family is grateful for ongoing help for Lukas.

On Thursday (Nov. 6), Lukas had his tracheostomy tube removed as planned, but after experiencing distress and unstable vital signs, the tube was surgically reinserted the next day. The doctors determined he needs more time to heal and adjust, so he will likely go home still using the tube and NGT. Lukas also requires additional time to relearn how to drink milk and breathe independently.

In recent days, Lukas has been making efforts to stand up while remaining in bed. His behavior suggests improved well-being and possible restlessness after spending approximately 2.5 months confined to bed.

26.10.25

Due to Lukas’ extended hospitalization, the family is consistently seeking financial assistance. The health care system in the Philippines differs significantly from that of Norway. Any financial support offered during this challenging period is greatly appreciated. Your generosity is highly valued, and we remain thankful for your ongoing support for Lukas and our family.

Lukas is now refusing tube feeding and prefers to eat and drink by spoon. Tomorrow, he will try mashed potatoes with his therapist's help. He starts physiotherapy this week to massage his legs and thighs and relearn movement. Lukas will also begin lying in bed, moving away from using car seat for lung support; he may stop using it next week as secretions become easier to manage. The family has hired a private nurse to assist with the complex process of suctioning his secretions and phlegm. His medical team is monitoring is ability to breathe without oxygen now, but so far, he's lasted up to five hours unaided and needs more time to recover.

21.10.25

After an extended period of anticipation, the decision has been made to transfer Lukas from the ICU to a regular room. The new room was prepared, and he moved last Thursday, 16th of October.

Today, he took his first solid food. Reaching this stage took several days; however, Lukas’ lungs have recovered significantly, and recent tests indicate he is on a positive trajectory toward full recovery. Following a few additional days in the hospital, the family will transition to a newly renovated apartment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all who have closely followed Lukas’ progress and provided support during his time in the ICU. Your commitment and encouragement have been invaluable throughout his recovery process.

This milestone brings immense relief and renewed hope to everyone involved. Lukas’s resilience and the dedication of his medical team have been remarkable throughout this challenging period. The family is looking forward to the next steps in Lukas’s recovery journey, cherishing the progress made so far.

Three weeks ago, I began seeking financial aid for Lukas’ hospital expenses as he battled sepsis and pneumonia. Despite being given just a 5% chance of survival, Lukas defied the odds. He developed PARDS, with only a 20% chance of survival, and later suffered from repeated bloodstream infections due to prolonged mechanical ventilation—yet he survived each crisis. Lukas’ determination and will to live have amazed not just his family, but his medical team as well.

October 9, 2025

Lukas's extubation and transfer to a regular room have been delayed as his lungs require more time to heal from PARDS. He remains in the ICU and last Tuesday, Oct. 7, he underwent emergency surgery for pneumothorax to relieve lung pressure and allow re-expansion. Recovery is progressing slowly but positively; Lukas is now breathing independently with ventilator support. The family awaits his move to a regular room.

October 3, 2025

Doctors have confirmed extubation (removal of breathing tube) for Saturday, 4th of October. Today, his catheter was removed. He will soon start eating solids but must relearn safe swallowing. Lukas gained one kilogram; his appetite is better, but he still needs tube feeding. His milk formula has also been increased.

Medical expenses are expected to reach 2.5 million pesos, with more than a third already paid. Lukas’ stay in the ICU will be until Saturday and it is still uncertain on how long they will be in a regular ward/room. Our family continues to appeal for financial support to anyone who can help. Every single contribution, no matter how modest, will go directly to Lukas' medical care. We are deeply grateful to every act of kindness and generosity shown during this challenging time.

If you would like to send a donation:

To those living in Norway, click on "Donate" and it will go automatically to a bank account.

To those who are residing in the Philippines, you can send your donation to my daughter-in-law:

Hazel Ann Astrologo

Gotyme Bank

016043120493

Swift code: GOTYPHM2XXX

G-cash: see attached QR-Code

As a retired grandmother, parent, colleague, or friend, I make this heartfelt appeal for assistance. Lukas, diagnosed with Down syndrome, was rushed to the emergency department on 4 September 2025 and later transferred to the ICU. He has endured several days of unconsciousness, but there have been moments of hope—such as when he briefly opened his eyes to a cartoon on his iPod. The initial days were fraught with challenges: persistent fevers, fluctuating vital signs, and a series of diagnostic tests to guide his treatment. Despite these difficulties, Lukas showed significant improvement, even stabilising at times.

September 13, 2025

One particularly difficult morning, Lukas began breathing heavily, and the family was warned that he might not survive. His medications were stopped, but after a few hours, he improved again. Lukas’ oxygen levels and blood pressure dropped, and he suffered a cardiac arrest. Ten medical staff performed manual resuscitation and revived him after 15 minutes. Following this ordeal, Lukas rested while doctors administered antibiotics and other medications. He now has Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (PARDS), a rare but serious complication in children in the Philippines. His primary doctor, with experience from the United States, leads his care.

Initially, Lukas was given only a 5% chance of survival due to sepsis, yet he pulled through. With the onset of PARDS, his odds improved to 40%.

September 16, 2025

Today’s update is positive: Lukas is more alert and engaged with his surroundings. He interacts with his environment, bites at his tubes, pushes doctors away, and dances with his hands. He has been fever-free since Sunday, and if improvements continue, doctors hope to remove his chest tube by Friday, which would allow him to breathe normally without assistance.

September 22, 2025

Lukas is now on the road to recovery. The doctors are gradually reducing his mechanical ventilator support, aiming for its removal/extubation by Friday. Medications are being lowered and, in some cases, discontinued. Due to asthma, he is receiving hypo-allergenic milk. His increased awareness and activity are promising signs. He still cannot eat or drink unaided, so a nasogastric tube is used for feeding. The central venous catheter has been removed, which caused him some distress. Lukas appears content with his favourite cartoons and is becoming more active day by day.

Sept. 26, 2025

Recently, Lukas underwent tracheostomy successful surgery and returned to the ICU for post-operative care. The medical team is now preparing to assess whether he can manage without the ventilator in the near future. A nutritionist has been consulted to help Lukas transition to solid foods. His milk intake has doubled, and he is gaining weight, a positive sign for his recovery.