Luke Antolick Benefit Fund
Donation protected
Luke was born a typical and healthy boy and spent his first three months developing normally and remaining healthy. On November 7, 2013, he was found unresponsive during a nap. Luke had no heartbeat, was not breathing, and was blue. Paramedics were able to bring Luke back with CPR after an unknown amount of time without oxygen. Luke then spent 16 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Huntsville Hospital where after multiple rounds of testing for causes, his incident was ultimately classified as a near miss SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Luke's official diagnosis is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (brain damage due to lack of oxygen), accompanied by Cerebral Palsy (quadrepalegic - affecting all limbs), complex seizure disorder, dystonia (tightness of limbs), and dysphasia (weak and inconsistent swallowing). While the brain damage that was sustained during Luke's incident is irreversible, there are multiple therapies and techniques that can help Luke develop and assist him in normal activities that we all tend to take for granted. He attends multiple physical, occupational, and speech therapies weekly. He is progressing greatly in several areas that the Antolick family was initially told Luke most likely would not be able to do. He is learning to eat orally, he uses a gait trainer to walk, he is alert and active with his toys, and he is able to express his emotions, and can usually be found with a huge smile on his face!
Most recently, in addition to all of the traditional therapies, the Antolick's have added Stem Cell therapy to Luke's healing journey. They traveled to Panama City, Panama for a week where Luke received 36 Million stem cells, with the idea that the stems cells will attach to his brain where the most damage was sustained. He has made tremendous progress since stem cell therapy, and they're hoping to go again in the summer of 2017. Stem Cell therapy is not an approved method, there for it is not covered by insurance. The entire trip with therapy costs the family about $20,000, and then they get into more intensive sessions upon return. But, with the potential there is for Luke, and the progress he has already made, it's something they are going to try again in the coming year!
All donations will go to the Luke Antolick Benefit Fund and be put towards therapy sessions, equipment, and the future trip for more Stem Cells.
Luke turned three in August, and started Pre-School in the public school system. He is doing well with adjusting, is making friends, and is actively involved in their daily routine. He is truly enjoying his time at school.
Luke's official diagnosis is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (brain damage due to lack of oxygen), accompanied by Cerebral Palsy (quadrepalegic - affecting all limbs), complex seizure disorder, dystonia (tightness of limbs), and dysphasia (weak and inconsistent swallowing). While the brain damage that was sustained during Luke's incident is irreversible, there are multiple therapies and techniques that can help Luke develop and assist him in normal activities that we all tend to take for granted. He attends multiple physical, occupational, and speech therapies weekly. He is progressing greatly in several areas that the Antolick family was initially told Luke most likely would not be able to do. He is learning to eat orally, he uses a gait trainer to walk, he is alert and active with his toys, and he is able to express his emotions, and can usually be found with a huge smile on his face!
Most recently, in addition to all of the traditional therapies, the Antolick's have added Stem Cell therapy to Luke's healing journey. They traveled to Panama City, Panama for a week where Luke received 36 Million stem cells, with the idea that the stems cells will attach to his brain where the most damage was sustained. He has made tremendous progress since stem cell therapy, and they're hoping to go again in the summer of 2017. Stem Cell therapy is not an approved method, there for it is not covered by insurance. The entire trip with therapy costs the family about $20,000, and then they get into more intensive sessions upon return. But, with the potential there is for Luke, and the progress he has already made, it's something they are going to try again in the coming year!
All donations will go to the Luke Antolick Benefit Fund and be put towards therapy sessions, equipment, and the future trip for more Stem Cells.
Luke turned three in August, and started Pre-School in the public school system. He is doing well with adjusting, is making friends, and is actively involved in their daily routine. He is truly enjoying his time at school.
Organizer
Alyson Antolick
Organizer
Madison, AL
