Luis is an extraordinary 11-year-old boy whose smile can brighten even the hardest days. At just 18 months old, he was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic, life-limiting (terminal) disease caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene that weakens the muscles throughout the body. SMA affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord that control voluntary muscles, making everyday tasks like sitting, standing, walking, swallowing, and even breathing much more difficult. While SMA has changed many parts of Luis’s life, it has never changed who he is.
In 2017, when Luis was just two years old, our family was faced with one of the hardest moments imaginable. We were told that Luis was not expected to survive. He spent 27 days in the ICU, fighting for his life and proving just how strong he truly was. Against the odds, Luis fought his way through, and he continues to amaze everyone around him with his strength and determination.
Luis has been wheelchair-bound his entire life, but his wheelchair has never defined him or limited his mind. He is an incredibly smart, bright, and determined young man who continues to learn, grow, and show everyone that physical limitations do not determine what a person is capable of achieving.
At heart, Luis is simply a typical 11-year-old boy. He loves watching football, baseball, and basketball, getting excited over his favorite teams and games. He also loves playing video games and enjoying the things that make him happy. His life may look different from that of other children his age, but his dreams, interests, humor, and personality remind us that beyond his diagnosis, he is just a kid who wants to laugh, have fun, and live life to the fullest.
Every year, Luis battles pneumonia at least every other month. Because his breathing muscles are weaker than most, what starts as a simple illness can quickly become serious. Each hospitalization often lasts two to three weeks, filled with breathing treatments, medications, machines, and endless prayers from the people who love him.
Despite these challenges, Luis refuses to let fear define him. He laughs loudly, dreams big, and makes the most of every good day. Whether he’s spending time with family, enjoying his favorite hobbies, or cheering on those around him, Luis chooses courage over fear. He reminds everyone that life isn’t measured by how easy it is, but by how fully it’s lived.
Over the years, Luis has endured more than most adults ever will. He has undergone three magnetic growing rod surgeries to help manage the severe curvature of his spine as he grew. Later, he faced a spinal fusion surgery, a major procedure that helped stabilize his spine. He also required a feeding tube (G-tube) to ensure he received the nutrition his body needed during some of his most difficult times. Thankfully, as his needs changed, the feeding tube was eventually removed. Each surgery came with long recoveries, uncertainty, and incredible strength.
Behind Luis stands a family whose love never wavers. But loving a child with complex medical needs comes with challenges that many people never see. The medical bills continue to grow, and not every treatment, piece of equipment, therapy, medication, or travel expense is covered by insurance. There are countless unexpected costs that add up over time.
His parents also make countless sacrifices. Hospital stays often mean taking weeks away from work to remain by Luis’s bedside. Frequent appointments with specialists, therapies, surgeries, and follow-up visits require even more time away from their jobs. The financial strain can be overwhelming, but missing a paycheck is never a reason to leave Luis alone. They choose to be with him every step of the way because no child should have to face those battles without the comfort of family.
Through every obstacle, Luis continues to inspire everyone around him. His journey is not defined by his diagnosis, his surgeries, or the hospital rooms he’s spent so much time in. It is defined by resilience, hope, and an unwavering determination to live life to its fullest. His story is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, courage, love, and faith can shine brighter than fear.
From the bottom of our hearts, our family sincerely appreciates you taking the time to read Luis’s story. Any donation, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference in his care and journey. And if you are unable to donate, simply sharing his story with others means the world to us and helps more than words can express. Awareness starts with you!
