Luke's Challenge
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| Who is Luke? Who is Luke? Luke is the second child of Mark & Bonnie Lesmeister. Luke came into this world 16 weeks early. He weighed 2 lbs 1 oz and was 13 inches long. He spent the first 88 days of his life at Overland Park Regional Hospital. Even with an amazing group of Doctors, Nurses and support people it was very hard to leave him each day. The Lesmeister family was able to see Luke every day but so many other families are unable to make that trip daily. During their 88 days at Overland Park Regional they became very close with four or five other families but noticed that the unit had over 35 babies. Where were all the parents? They were at work or at home. Some could not afford to come up other than on weekends. The amount of money for gas alone kept them from traveling. When these family travel back and forth they also need money to feed their family while at the hospital. Luke's Challenge was created to prevent these parent from having to go that long between visits. PLEASE help us help them. You could call and ask if you could purchase lunch for the parent there that day, or just ask if there is a family that would be in need of a $20.00 gift card. Every little bit helps. Months after Luke got out of the hospital his mother took lunch to another mother. This mother had been at the hospital for days and didn't have food. The mother had ran herself out of pennies even. These mothers had never meet before but through grapevine their paths crossed. That one lunch help that mother eat two meals along with a snack. Each one of you can help just one of those parents in a NICU. If you would like to help please contact us. Spread the word. It is amazing what one community can do for so many. Let's see what Belton and Raymore can do for these Kansas City NICU's!! *** Note: Each hospital has their own rules for the care of NICU babies. Please note that the above information came from our family who spent time in Overland Park Regional Hospital. In 2009 Overland Park Regional NICU created a program (using March of Dimes information) to help with family needs during their stay. The above story reflect 2007. They are now part of a Parent Panel that will continue to find ways to improve the NICU and the bonding for families with their NICU baby. Luke's Challenge How can you help? Send your gift cards or donations to your local NICU or to Kansas City March of Dimes. Most units would allow you to bring in or cater food for the parents. Check with your NICU and see if they would allow it. March of Dimes: Kansas/Greater Kansas City (913) 469-3611 Luke is now 4! We catered Twisted BBQ to the Overland Park Regional NICU in celebration of his 4th Birthday. Remember you can always send up gift cards for the families who need help with gas and food. March of Dimes: Kansas / Greater Kansas City 913-469-3611 |
| Luke 2lbs 1 oz 13 in |
| Luke is now 5 years old. On his 5th Birthday he wanted to go golfing. So we starting out at a driving range just to see if he could hit the ball. Let's just say we will be back. He did great. Not ready for the course but maybe by his 6th birthday he will be. |