Luke is our special boy with special needs. In his almost 13 years, he has faced and overcome more challenges than most of us will experience in a lifetime. So... another curve ball has been thrown Luke's way. He was diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension 2 days ago. This is a life-threatening disease in which the blood pressure in the lung blood vessels rises to very dangerous levels. It is progressive, relentless, and often fatal. It's cause is unknown. On the advice of his doctors in Louisville, we will have Luke evaluated by a pediatric cardiology team (led by Dr. David Balzer) at Children's Hospital in St. Louis. His records will be overnighted there tomorrow. We are to call mid-week to schedule an appointment. We hope that Luke's disease is at a very early stage, so it may be possible to reverse the blood pressure elevation and changes in those blood vessels. This was incredibly exciting news since our initial discussions with his physicians immediately following his heart catheterization on Friday, gave us the impression that stabilization and improvement were not even remote possibilities.
We have always thought Luke was created for a very unique purpose. There have been way too many "coincidences" in his life to think that anything but the hand of God is holding Luke and forging his purpose. We are waiting to see what God has in store for Luke and our family. Please pray that we will follow His lead. We will keep the blog as up to date as possible, and ask you to pray for specific needs as they arise.
We are overwhelmed by your prayers and support for Luke and our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
This is VERY GOOD NEWS INDEED! We have been praying for your dear one! Our God is a God of HOPE! May your days ahead be filled with His undeniable presence and strength to take one yet another challenge! You are MORE THAN CONQUERORS with Christ! With love eternal, Ron & Nancy
ReplyDeleteWe are continually praying for you all and know that God has always been with you on your journey with Luke, and will continue to be. Bunches of hugs from the Graves
ReplyDeleteLuke and your family have been an almost incessant prayer since I first heard the news last week. He is such a special boy, and having the opportunity to share time with him in the Disabilities Classroom at SCC will always be on my list of "favorite things to do." The prayers will not cease as you begin this journey. The love of Christ shines through our beatiful Luke, and through your dedication and countenance. God Bless and keep each of you in the following weeks. Praise be to Him who has provided this hope.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Wendy Hack
This is great news, Matt. There is no doubt in anyone's mind, that you will follow God's lead. You always have. So many prayers have been lifted up for Luke and his family. God is here, listening, and answering with words of great hope. Praise to Him! What a testimony this will be! Thank you for this blog and for sharing Luke with so many people. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you all - any hour of the day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Maggie and Gary Alcorn
Dear Luke and your wonderful family,
ReplyDeleteLuke, you are like sunshine. Your angel wings touched me the first time I met you and always make my heart smile. I hold you and your family in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Love and blessed be,
Jan Abbey
Dear Luke,
ReplyDeletePlease know that you and your family are in my thoughts. I treasure the years I was allowed to have you and the other children in school. You all became "my kids". When you get better, tell mommy to call me so we can get together. Love and prayers to all of you.
Glenda Layne
Matt, Karen, Tori, and Luke,
ReplyDeleteOur prayers are with you and we will continue to lift you up to our Almighty and loving God over the coming weeks and months. We pray that you will feel his love, comfort, strenghth, and peace like never before, and that he will make his path for your family abundantly clear. May His light continue to shine through each of you!
Blessings,
Fred and Kathleen Andres and family
Hugs, Kisses, and Prayers that you have arrived home safely! I am with you Luke...I don't like those needles at all:) My best wishes to you and your family! Luke, you are such an inspirational young man! We will continue to pray, cross our fingers & toes, that you continue to gain strength in this battle. My best to you and your family and I will continue to follow your progress. God Bless to all of you:)
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Bonnie Reitz Moore, KBML