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Luke Gean Memorial, PO Box 301, Protection, KS (2026)

02/06/2026

💖 Day 5 Fact: HLHS – The Fontan Procedure and Life Beyond Surgery

The final stage in the surgical journey for children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is called the Fontan procedure, typically performed between 18 months and 3 years of age. This complex surgery completes the redirection of blood flow so that oxygen-poor blood from the lower body flows directly to the lungs. By doing this, the heart can work more efficiently, oxygen levels improve, and children have a much better chance at a longer, more active life. Even with this surgery, ongoing monitoring and care are essential, as the heart is still not “normal,” but it’s a critical step in giving children with HLHS a chance to thrive.

For our Luke, reaching the Fontan procedure was an incredible milestone. After surviving the Norwood and Glenn surgeries as a fragile newborn and infant, this third surgery gave him the best chance at living a fuller, healthier life. I remember watching him in the ICU—tiny, brave, and still so full of personality despite everything he had endured. Even with monitors, tubes, and life-saving equipment attached, Luke’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, he laughed at silly faces, and he found ways to show his stubborn little spirit. He wasn’t just surviving—he was living, and he was thriving in his own way.

Thanks to advances in pediatric cardiac care, children today recovering from the Fontan procedure can sometimes be awake during recovery, interact with family, and even engage in gentle movement or play while on monitors. These moments of normalcy are so important—they allow children to grow physically, emotionally, and socially, even while still fighting a serious heart condition. For Luke, those moments were precious. After his Fontan surgery, he went on to live six beautiful, full years, laughing, exploring, and experiencing life with the fierce energy that defined him. He celebrated birthdays, played with friends, went on adventures, and brought joy to everyone around him—showing that even children with complex congenital heart defects can have rich, meaningful lives.

Every heartbeat, every laugh, every small victory was a testament to his bravery, the incredible care of his medical team, and the love surrounding him. Luke’s journey through the Norwood, Glenn, and Fontan procedures reminds us of the strength of these tiny warriors and the importance of awareness, research, and support for children with congenital heart defects.

The pictures below show our heart warrior, Luke, during his heart journey, including recovery from his Fontan procedure. Viewer discretion is advised, as some images may be graphic, showing life-saving medical equipment attached to a tiny child fighting for his life. ❤️

02/04/2026

💖 Day 4 Fact: HLHS – The Glenn Procedure

After the first Norwood surgery, babies with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) still face significant challenges. The next step in the staged surgical journey is called the Glenn procedure, usually performed when a child is around 4–6 months old. This surgery redirects blood flow from the upper body directly to the lungs, reducing the workload on the heart and improving oxygen levels. It’s a critical step that helps the heart work more efficiently and gives the child a better chance at growth and development.

For our Luke, the Glenn procedure was another major milestone in his heart journey. I remember him in the hospital, tiny and brave, but still full of life. Even after surgery, he had that same fiery little spirit—watching, learning, and reacting to the world around him with curiosity and joy. His smile, his laughs, even his stubborn little moods reminded us that despite all the tubes, monitors, and machines, he was still our energetic, loving boy.

Modern pediatric cardiac care has made this stage safer and recovery smoother than ever. Many children can begin gentle movement, hold toys, and even interact with parents during recovery—small steps that make a huge difference for their growth and happiness. But each child’s journey is unique, and every procedure is a reminder of the fragility and strength of these tiny hearts.

The pictures below show our heart warrior, Luke, during and after his Glenn procedure. Viewer discretion is advised, as some images may be graphic, showing life-saving medical equipment attached to a tiny child fighting for his life. ❤️

02/03/2026

Today I want to share a little about the Norwood Procedure, the first surgery babies with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) often face — and a huge part of Luke’s journey.

HLHS is a congenital heart defect where the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. Because of this, the heart cannot pump oxygen-rich blood to the body the way it normally would. Without intervention, babies born with HLHS cannot survive.

The Norwood procedure is typically performed within the first days or weeks of life. It is one of the most complex open-heart surgeries done on a newborn. During this surgery, doctors reconstruct the heart and major blood vessels, allowing the right side of the heart to take over the job of pumping blood to the body. Surgeons also create a new pathway to help blood reach the lungs so it can receive oxygen.

This surgery is not a cure — it is the first step in a series of three surgeries that help children with HLHS survive and grow.

For heart families, the Norwood marks the beginning of a journey filled with fear, hope, strength, and a kind of love you don’t understand until you live it. The recovery can be fragile, and every milestone becomes something worth celebrating.

Luke fought through this surgery with a strength that still amazes me. His story is one of courage, resilience, and a reminder of just how strong these tiny heart warriors truly are.

Throughout this month, I’ll be sharing more facts, awareness, and pieces of Luke’s story — because these warriors deserve to be seen, their stories deserve to be told, and no heart family should ever feel alone. ❤️💙

02/02/2026

💖 Day 2 Fact: ECMO – Life Support for the Most Critical Hearts

ECMO, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is a life-saving technology used when a baby’s heart or lungs are too weak to function on their own. It works like an artificial heart and lungs, taking over the work of pumping blood and delivering oxygen while giving the heart and lungs time to rest and heal. For babies like Luke, ECMO can be the difference between life and death.

The process involves placing tubes—called cannulas—into large blood vessels, often in the neck or chest, which are connected to a machine that circulates and oxygenates the blood outside the body. Because newborns are so tiny, this procedure requires incredible precision, a highly skilled medical team, and constant monitoring. While on ECMO, babies are closely cared for in the pediatric intensive care unit, with specialized nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors ensuring the right flow, oxygen levels, and support for recovery. ECMO is not a cure; it’s a bridge—giving tiny hearts and lungs the time they need to fight, grow, and heal. Without it, many babies with severe heart or lung conditions would not survive.

In today’s world, ECMO care has advanced significantly. Some children on ECMO are now able to be awake, interact with their families, and even move or participate in gentle physical therapy while receiving life support. These innovations not only improve recovery but also allow children to retain a sense of normalcy and connection during an incredibly difficult time.

For Luke, being on ECMO marked the beginning of his heart journey, a journey that gave him six precious, beautiful years filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

The pictures below show our heart warrior during the ECMO phase. Please note they may be graphic, as they show life-saving medical equipment attached to a tiny child fighting for his life. Viewer discretion is advised. ❤️

02/01/2026

💔 Day 1 Fact: Congenital Heart Defects
(CHDs) are the most common birth defects, affecting 1 in 100 babies.

My son, Luke, was born on October 15, 2012, and his heart condition went completely undetected during my pregnancy. Even with routine sonograms, some heart defects are extremely hard to spot before birth. Thankfully, advances in prenatal imaging today can catch many of these conditions earlier—but back then, Luke’s condition was missed.

By Thanksgiving that year, Luke started showing signs something was wrong. After visits to four different hospitals, he was finally diagnosed, but his condition had already become critical. He was placed on life support in Wichita, then flown to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. At one point, doctors told us to say our goodbyes—but I refused. Luke was placed on an ECMO machine, and our heart journey truly began.

Despite everything, Luke lived six beautiful, full years. He laughed, played, loved, and brought joy to everyone around him. He passed away on March 15, 2019, but in his life, he taught us courage, resilience, and the power of love.

Signs of heart problems in newborns include:
• Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
• Blue lips, fingers, or toes
• Poor feeding or trouble gaining weight
• Fatigue while feeding or playing
• Sweating while feeding

Early detection can save lives. This Heart Awareness Month, I share Luke’s story to honor him, raise awareness, and remind everyone: every child’s heart matters. ❤️

01/19/2026

Crush Grams are back! All proceeds benefit the Luke Gean Memorial Fund, giving back to our school, our community, and scholarships for graduating seniors. Supporting this means investing in the future while honoring Luke’s memory. Forms will be going home with K-5. If 6-12 would like to order or if you want to order for those grades contact either Jaymi Westrup or Sueann Sawyers. 💙

02/07/2025

8 years ago I started out small just raising funds to the American Heart Association in honor of Luke. Here I am 8 years later with a non-profit organization spreading the love of Luke throughout our school district, and community. Every year during the month of February (Heart Awareness month), and during the season he loved most (basketball) we raise funds to help continue to contribute to our school, and community. Tonight during the home game the Luke gean committee/family will be doing pop for shots during the halftime of the girls game. If you would like to donate and can’t make it to the game you can do so at The Bank of Protection. ♥️💙 Thank you everyone who continue to help make this organization stay alive by donating, and a special thank you to the committee , I wouldn’t be able to do this without you all ♥️

02/06/2025

This friday night during the halftime of the girls game we will be doing pop for shots. If you would like to donate to the Luke Gean Memorial you may do so at “ The Bank of Protection”. Or get ahold of someone who is on the Committee!

01/28/2025

Luke Gean Memorial Spreading “Crushes”! This year we were unable to do a concession stand! So we are doing “Crushes” for Valentines Day! So parents, grandma, grandpa. If you would like to send a pop to your child, or grandkids. Please reach out to Jaymi Westrup or April Sawyers. 1 for $2.00 3 for $4.00. These pops will be in a cute valentines bag labeled with what they represent and for sale starting February 3rd. We will not be able to accept orders after February 6th. All money goes back into the school, and the families in our surrounding community. Luke Gean offers a senior a scholarship every year, buys clothing needs for students in the district, assists families in need, and so much more!

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