John and his wife, Amy, are both realtors with KW Brevard | Rocket Group in Florida–a real KW team! They have two sons, Connor (9) and Finley (7).
In 2008, long before their boys were born, John underwent hernia repair surgery with polypropylene mesh implantation. Over the next 17 years, he suffered worsening symptoms such as extreme nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue, and neurological issues. Basically, John has been sick for his children’s entire lives.
Despite years of testing, hospitalizations, and consultations, no clear diagnosis was made.
“It wasn’t until the last two years that I began to uncover the real truth – My body was reacting to the mesh.” -John Lucas
A Rare Condition
Between 2023-2025, after working with multiple specialists, John was diagnosed with Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA), a little-known condition named in 2011. It is rarely recognized in the U.S. and especially rare in mesh-related cases (more often present in cases with breast implants). Pathology confirmed chronic inflammation consistent with ASIA.
“My goal is to change the view of this disease in the U.S. by authoring a medical paper with Dr. Yehuda Shoenfeld (the man who named the disease). He has published over 2000 articles in medical journals across the globe and has already agreed to co-author the paper with me.” -John Lucas
Finally, Relief
After a tremendous amount of testing, John underwent mesh explant surgery on June 6, 2025. Surgery revealed the mesh had failed, folded over, adhered to his bowel and a lymph node, and embedded into his abdominal nerves.
“I feel like a truck ran my abdomen over, so recovery is ongoing, but it was all worth it. I am already experiencing SIGNIFICANT relief from the worst symptoms.” -John Lucas
Because John’s condition is so rare, there’s no billing code for it, and insurance refused to cover the procedure. Even with a cash pay discount, costs for testing, travel, and the surgery were substantial.
“While my body began to heal, the financial toll of the medical journey hit hard. We were scraping by—faced with the gut-wrenching question of which bills we could afford to delay just to keep the lights on.
The grant we received from KW Cares came at the exact moment we needed it most. It wasn’t just a financial gift—it was an answer to prayer. It allowed us to breathe again, to keep our home running, and to focus on healing instead of surviving. It reminded us that we’re not in this alone.” -John Lucas
How You Help through KW Cares
John has had an epic journey back to health and an exhausting 17 years of searching for answers. KW Cares is honored to be able to provide financial support to the Lucas family so John can move past this trying time and on to happier, healthier days with his children.
Your gifts to KW Cares can help associates like John with the financial burdens of healthcare. Please donate today!
“We are beyond thankful for this community. KW Cares showed up for our family in a way we will never forget. Because of your generosity, we’re stronger today—and we’re already looking forward to the day we can give back the same way you gave to us.” -John Lucas