On October 18, 2025, an ordinary Saturday unexpectedly became the day that changed everything for 15-year-old Reece and his family.
Reece spent the morning assisting with local youth basketball games before heading to a haunted house with friends. Not long after they arrived, his parents, Jada and Andrew, received a call that Reece wasn’t feeling well. His health rapidly declined, and although conscious, he wasn’t responsive. Emergency services were called and Reece was quickly transported to Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay.
Upon arrival, Reece was evaluated by Dr. Bob Zemple, an emergency medical physician at Aurora BayCare. Dr. Zemple determined that he required immediate intubation and urgent intervention. Reece had suffered an intracranial hemorrhage, or brain bleed, caused by a rare thalamic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) – an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in which the normal “bridge” of capillaries is missing. The emergency department team consulted Aurora BayCare neurosurgeon Dr. Gerald W. Eckardt, who placed a drain to relieve dangerous pressure caused by the bleed.
Reece's mother, Jada, reflects on the “incomprehensible” situation, noting, “Dr. Eckardt wasn’t working that night, he wasn’t even on call … To refer to him as a ‘remarkable’ doctor would be an understatement. We are forever thankful.”
The decisive actions and expertise of the cross‑functional teams at Aurora BayCare that night saved Reece’s life. After being stabilized, Reece was transitioned to specialized pediatric critical care. He remained intubated for five days, spent more than two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and an additional two weeks in a recovery unit.
During this time, Reece underwent extensive testing and procedures to secure the area of the bleed and provide the detailed imaging needed to fully understand the characteristics of his diagnosis. As his family coped with an unthinkable new reality, they were guided through the available treatment options and what long‑term care would require moving forward.
Today, Reece is doing well, experiencing minimal deficits from the initial hemorrhage and continues to make meaningful progress. He and his family remain deeply grateful for their care teams, community members and loved ones who have supported them throughout this journey.
How you can help
Stories like Reece’s unfold every day across Aurora Health Care. Whether it’s lifesaving neurological care, advanced cancer treatment, or compassionate support during a difficult diagnosis, patients have access to expert care the moment they need it most – and close to where they live, work and raise their families.
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