Help Lynward on His Road to Recovery from Cardiac Arrest

Hello, my name is Malika Patterson, and I thank you for visiting this page today to read about my sister, brother-in-law, and their family.

Lynward Hunter, affectionately known to family and friends as “Lyn” or “Lennie,” is a loving husband and father to his wife of over 20 years, LaToya, their three daughters, Zoey, Macenzie, and Alexa, and their beloved dog, Milo. Known as a hard-working family man, Lyn has always been deeply involved in his daughters' academic and sports milestones despite working full-time.

All three have played soccer since they were kids, and Lyn had the opportunity to coach all three daughters at some point throughout their careers. It was later that Macenzie and Alexa showed interest in wrestling. There was no active program at the Pennsauken Youth Athletic Association (PYAA). Lyn was instrumental in establishing the program there and coached until it concluded. He then proudly served as the Assistant Coach for girls’ wrestling at Pennsauken High School, coaching his two youngest daughters throughout their high school careers; a program where Alexa still wrestles today. Affectionately known as “Coach Lyn,” he became a deeply popular and respected figure among his athletes and fellow coaches. His passion for the sport and for empowering young athletes also led him to work with Wrestle Like a Girl, advocating for female wrestlers, and with MyHouse Sports Gear, which further supported the youth.

Despite his heavy community involvement, Lyn always prioritized his relationship with LaToya, frequently planning weekend getaways and date nights just for the two of them. In addition, Lyn faithfully served as the Media Director for his church, Rhema Word of Life Fellowship Church. Alongside his daughter Alexa and niece Callista, he managed all Sunday service production and maintained the church website during the week.

On March 22, 2026, while enjoying a relaxing morning at home with LaToya, Zoey, and Alexa, Lyn unexpectedly went into cardiac arrest on his living room couch. Paramedics had to shock his heart three times to restore a rhythm. Lyn’s brain was deprived of oxygen. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors remained uncertain of the extent of the neurological impact. Lyn spent approximately one month in the hospital, unresponsive and reliant on a ventilator, heart monitor, and catheter. After three weeks, he opened his eyes for the first time, though it was an unfocused, reflexive response rather than an intentional movement. He remained unable to move his neck, fingers, arms, legs, or feet.

By the fourth week, Lyn’s breathing stabilized enough for him to be transitioned off the ventilator and to a tracheostomy. While his independent breathing varied daily, he improved enough to be discharged to a step-down rehabilitation facility to continue his care. Today, Lyn is opening his eyes and focusing on people when they speak. He can raise his eyebrows, and his family occasionally catches the hint of a true smile.

Currently, Lyn remains fully incapacitated. He cannot speak, turn his head, or move his limbs, requiring round-the-clock medical care. We view this condition as temporary. His family, friends, and faith community stand firmly on the belief that God is restoring Lyn’s body, and we are praying for a 100% complete manifestation of that healing.

As we stand with Lyn on his road to recovery, his family urgently needs financial support. Because Lyn is currently incapacitated, LaToya cannot legally secure a Power of Attorney, which has halted applications for certain government benefits, and her initial application for Medicaid was denied. As a school teacher, LaToya’s salary will stop over the summer months, and she will likely be unable to get a summer job due to the immediate demands of Lyn's imminent discharge home. Once the school year ends, the household's primary income will rely on the part-time jobs of its two oldest daughters.

Essential medical equipment is being ordered next week for home delivery, and LaToya must pay a 10% out-of-pocket co-insurance fee for every piece of hardware. Additionally, the family must fund in-home nursing care to maintain his required 24-hour medical supervision.

The financial cost of Lyn’s rehabilitation will be immense. We are asking you to please donate to the Hunter family during this critical time of need. Any amount you can contribute will directly ease this medical crisis. If you are unable to donate financially, please share this page with your family and friends to help spread the word.

May God bless you for your generosity and support of the Hunter family.

With love,

Lynward, LaToya, Zoey, Macenzie, Alexa, and Milo