Local Teen’s Remarkable Recovery from Stroke

Stroke is often thought of as something that just affects older adults. However, the story of 13-year-old Luke is a powerful reminder that a stroke can strike at any age.

In January 2025, Luke had just left the dinner table to get ready for soccer practice. Moments later, his parents heard a loud crash from upstairs. Luke had collapsed in the bathroom.

His parents acted fast, calling 9-1-1. First responders rushed Luke to the nearest emergency room, where doctors quickly recognized he was having a stroke. A helicopter transported him to UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, a Level 1 pediatric trauma center, where a specialized team was ready. There, the adult stroke and neurointerventional team performed a mechanical thrombectomy - a delicate procedure to remove the blood clot from Luke’s brain.

Just two hours had passed from the moment Luke collapsed at home to when his parents saw him again in UH Rainbow’s pediatric intensive care unit. That rapid chain-of-care, starting with his parents’ quick call to the emergency response team, likely saved Luke’s life.

The recovery, however, was not immediate. Luke had no memory of the incident, or his hospital stay. He spent nearly two months in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, relearning how to walk and talk. His mom recalls a caregiver explaining that stroke recovery can be slow and unpredictable, “like watching grass grow,” they said. But with time, patience and determination, Luke made remarkable progress.

Luke’s stroke came just three months after his father suffered one as well, although his dad’s stroke looked very different and never caused him to lose consciousness. After extensive testing, doctors discovered that both Luke and his dad carry the prothrombin gene mutation, which increases the risk of blood clots. They also found that Luke had an undiagnosed hole in his heart, which may have contributed to his stroke.

Today, Luke is back home, wrapping up eighth grade and looking ahead to summer. He’s hopeful about joining his high school soccer team in the fall. And, with the strength and resilience he’s shown, there's every reason to believe he’ll make that goal a reality.

Luke’s stroke occurred in the basilar artery, one of the most dangerous types of strokes - many do not survive. That he not only survived but is thriving just months later is nothing short of a miracle. His story is a testament to the power of quick action, skilled medical care and the unwavering support of family and caregivers.

During Stroke Awareness Month, Luke’s journey reminds us why every second counts and that even the youngest lives can be touched by stroke and saved through awareness and rapid response.