Sam Yokwe Lukudu

September 28, 2005, a joyous and memorable day to the Lukudu’s family as Anthony Lukudu and his wife Samia Abbas welcomed a handsome baby boy whom they named Sam Yokwe Lukudu. Sam brought so much joy to the family because he was the first born. Love at first sight. Sam was so much loved not only by his parents but his grandmother, uncles, aunties, and cousins from both sides. However, shortly after Sam’s birth, doctors discovered that Sam had a congenital heart defect---an abnormal Heart murmur-- a condition where Sam’s heart valves had a hole making it quite difficult to allow enough blood flow.

Heart murmurs can be harmless (innocent) or abnormal. In Sam’s case, he had the abnormal murmur which required follow-up testing to determine the cause. Doctors continued to monitor Sam throughout with follow-ups and testing. While there's not much that can be done to prevent a heart murmur, it is reassuring to know that heart murmurs are not a disease and are often harmless. For children, many murmurs go away on their own as a child grows. As Sam grew, and as a child, he wanted to interact, play, and run around just like other children but Sam would become short of breath and sometimes faint.

Sam slowly and gradually thrived and started Kindergarten where teachers were so instrumental in his early learning. Sam struggled but was determined to not let his condition deter him from enjoying what he loves to do. Playing basketball, water-rafting and being around his family and friends. Sam’s parents made sure to follow-up with the doctors. Sam showed no abnormalities at all. Sam beat all odds and attended Tomahawk Elementary School, Pioneer Trail Middle School and went on to Olathe East High School where Sam was named one of the top 10 students in the district.

On November 9, 2021, at about 7:20 p.m., Sam’s condition deteriorated at home and was rushed to the hospital by his mother. Per doctors, Sam suffered a stroke, diagnosis of arteriosclerosis syndrome- Occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is reduced or blocked completely, which prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Sam started to experience shortness of breath and doctors continued to work on getting his oxygen level to at least a normal range. Sam underwent several promising treatments and was stabilized. Doctors immediately advised Sam’s parents that Sam would need surgery to correct his condition, however the specialists are based in California. Doctors assured Sam’s parents that they will do anything and everything to get Sam transferred to Stanford, California for this surgery to sustain life. Sam’s condition had shown some remarkable improvement as he waited to be transferred to California.

On the morning of November 26, 2021 at about 1:00a.m., Sam’s condition worsened where Sam suffered a cardiac arrest—a sudden loss of blood flow resulting from failure of the heart to pump effectively. Sam was resuscitated, or CPR was performed where Sam’s heart started pumping but very faint/weak. Sam’s heart rate started dropping and the attending doctor was concerned. He spoke to Sam’s parents and me. He explained that Sam’s prognosis is very poor and that most likely he will suffer another cardiac arrest because of how weak his heart beats. And shortly thereafter, at about 5:00a.m., Sam suffered another Cardiac arrest. Alarmingly, attending Dr. wanted Sam transferred immediately to Mercy hospital for further critical care treatment. An option of using a machine called (ECMO). This is simply to allow the blood to bypass Sam’s heart and lungs allowing these organs to rest and heal.

No sooner had the ambulance arrived, our son, my nephew Sam Lukudu lost his battle with heart complications. Doctors and nurses had worked tirelessness in trying to save Sam’s life; however, God loves Sam more than we, the world do.

Sam Lukudu, best son, brother, nephew anyone could ever ask for. He was a quiet, calm, and smart caring son. An older brother to Ruth Lukudu and Emmanuel Lukudu. Sam is loved by many and will be missed dearly. Sam’s passing has left an empty void to the entire community of Olathe. Son, nephew, may you continue to rest with the angels until we meet again.

Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Community Impact Church 7456 Nieman Road Shawnee, Kansas. Interment in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens 13901 South Blackbob Road Olathe, Kansas. Reception immediately following the burial at the church. Visitation 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 17, 2021 at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the family in order to assist with funeral costs.

Condolences may be offered at: www.McGilley-Frye.com