Lukas's Story

On October 17, 2024, the unimaginable happened. Lukas, just 5 months old, was rushed to Evergreen Hospital after his caregiver reported him as unresponsive. His condition was severe: uncontrolled seizures, requiring immediate attention. Lukas was transferred to Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for further testing and scans, where the gravity of his situation became clear.

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The initial CT and MRI scans revealed signs of acute trauma to ⅔ of his brain: retinal hemorrhaging and brain bleeding—indicative of Shaken Baby Syndrome. In those critical moments, Lukas's parents found themselves facing an overwhelming reality. The following days were filled with uncertainty and fear. Lukas was monitored 24/7 as doctors worked tirelessly to control his seizures. An EEG was placed to track the percentage of time his brain was in a seizure state, which ranged from hour to hour, peaking at 26%.

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With each passing hour, Lukas's family anxiously awaited, hoping for good news as doctors adjusted medications. The neurology team faced the delicate challenge of finding a balance between seizure management and maintaining Lukas’s ability to breathe without a breathing tube. For days, his parents never left his side, and family members cycled in and out of the PICU, offering love and support. Lukas's room was filled with the comforting sounds of books being read aloud, and family talking to him about all of the fun adventures ahead, a small way to keep spirits high.

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After 8 long days, Lukas was transferred out of the PICU, continuing his recovery with medication, therapy, and regular consultations with specialists and physical therapists at Seattle Children’s Hospital . His family’s dedication and the care of medical professionals helped Lukas make significant strides in his healing process. Today, Lukas is at home with his parents, continuing anti-seizure medication, follow-up scans, and therapies as he slowly recovers and finds a new normal from this devastating ordeal.

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Shortly after being discharged from the hospital, Lukas was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. According to the CDC, “Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Cerebral means having to do with the brain and Palsy means weakness in or problems with using the muscles. CP is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person's ability to control their muscles”. Lukas’s future is filled with uncertainty over the course of his development due to this trauma and diagnosis.