An athlete who plays power soccer, Luke says the challenges motivate him.
SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio family is asking the community for support as their 12-year-old son lives with a rare genetic disease that gradually weakens the body’s muscles.
Luke Criado was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at the age of 5. Despite the challenges that come with the condition, Luke’s family says he remains determined to stay active and independent.
An athlete who plays power soccer, Luke says the challenges motivate him. He describes himself as kind and respectful, and someone who enjoys spending time with family.
“As parents, we want to do the very best for our children to be able to provide in the best ways that we can,” said his father, Jacob Criado. “Accessibility is everything.”
That need for accessibility is why the Criado family is raising money for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle that would make it easier for Luke to travel and participate in everyday activities.
Luke hopes the vehicle would allow him to move around more freely.
“Travel more often with my chair I use at home,” he said. “So I can be independent like my mom says.”
His mother, Tiffany Flores, said the family moved to San Antonio to give Luke more opportunities and experiences. But as he grows, helping him in and out of their current vehicle has become increasingly difficult.
“We’re getting older, so quite frankly it’s not safe to put him in and out of the vehicle,” Flores said.
Luke’s family says independence is important to him, and they try to encourage it whenever possible.
“He wants to be independent, and we allow it as much as we can,” Flores said.
The family is receiving support from the Jett Foundation, a nonprofit that works with families affected by DMD. So far, they have raised more than $4,000 toward the accessible vehicle.
Even for those who may not be able to donate, Luke’s parents say sharing his story can make a difference.
“We want Luke to be a face and a voice for kindness, for people, for humanity,” Jacob Criado said. “So he’s able to live the life that any 12-year-old child should be able to live and have the mobility to see places and experience things.”
To support Luke, click here to make a donation to the Jett Foundation.