LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — The Liberty Lake community welcomed 12-year-old Ike home Saturday afternoon from a hard recovery after doctors were forced to amputate his leg.
“I am incredibly grateful that he has gotten so much support,” said Jacob Rabe. “Ike has been in the hospital for more than two months, and he’s not felt the support like the rest of us have because he’s been in Seattle and he’s been under medication. It was very important to us to make sure he felt loved and supported. I’m just grateful.”
When those who knew Ike heard that he was getting his leg amputated, a plan was made to welcome him home and offer their love and support. The whole neighborhood lined the streets with signs, balloons, confetti cannons, and smiling faces as Ike was escorted home by Police and Sheriff’s cars.
Neighbors, friends, family, and people from his middle school describe Ike as someone full of energy and a light in many people’s lives. Having a reputation for making people laugh and smile, the community wanted to return the favor after hearing about Ike’s unfortunate circumstance.
“Ike is extremely energetic, always has a smile on his face, a friend to many and very competitive,” Quinn Lesage, Ike’s principal at Greenacres Middle School. “When Ike became sick, we knew that at school, and we kept in touch with his family.”
Despite going through something tragic, Ike still had a big smile, overjoyed that so many people came to see him. He said his recovery is going well, and he’s excited to start school.
In Early June, a rare infection called Strep A Toxic Shock attacked Ike’s muscles, which led to over 30 surgeries to remove muscle from both arms, back, and left leg. In order to save his life, doctors were forced to amputate his leg. He was in the Seattle hospitals for months, recovering from constant surgeries.
Ike’s mom, Jill Rabe, also felt the warm welcome from the Liberty Lake community, not surprised by everyone’s comfort during this tragic time for Ike and his family.
“I hope that this [his surgery] doesn’t stop him and that he can still do all the things he was doing before,” said Ike’s mom, Jill Rabe.
Ike said his recovery is going pretty well, and he was excited to see all his friends cheer him on.
