Juvenile Dermatomyositis
In late 2018, at the age of 10, Luke was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM). JDM causes skin rashes and muscle inflammation resulting in extreme muscle weakness, nausea, sickness, and a host of other health issues.
Prior to being diagnosed and starting treatment, Luke had a difficult time climbing stairs at home, tying his shoes, getting dressed and attending school. Luke was too weak and sick to paint or draw and missed the remainder of his hockey season. But Luke has responded well to treatment and his goal is to be in full remission over time.
During Luke’s initial recovery he used drawing and painting as an outlet to express and channel his energy. Luke completed dozens of portraits while he was recovering. His drawings and paintings gradually became more vibrant, colorful and positive as he started to get better.