Welcome to Luke’s Squad team page!

If you know Luke, you know that he is a successful, fun-loving individual. Many of you do not know that Lucas was born with a severe bleeding disorder, Hemophilia A. 

Severe Hemophilia A is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency (less than 1%) in factor VIII, a clotting protein. People with Hemophilia A often bleed longer than other people. Bleeds can occur internally, into joints and muscles, or externally, from minor cuts, medical procedures, or trauma. How frequently a person bleeds and the severity of those bleeds depends on how much FVIII is in the plasma, the straw-colored fluid portion of blood. There is currently no cure for Hemophilia (National Hemophilia Foundation, 2020).

This diagnosis has presented various challenges for Luke and his family throughout his life. However, thanks to medical advancements in clotting factor treatments, Luke is able to live a full and healthy life. 

Why Do We Walk?

Bleeding disorders affect both children and families mentally, physically and emotionally. There are countless children and adults impacted by Hemophilia throughout the world, some that are unable to receive necessary care and support due to lack of resources. 

We walk to improve healthcare treatments, including focus on treatment for the whole person — not just the hemophilia. 

We walk to support further opportunities for those impacted by bleeding disorders, such as sending more children to Camp Notaclotamongus. Camp Notaclotamongus provides a safe space for children to feel a sense of community. Children have the opportunity to build connections as they relate to others like them with hemophilia. They build confidence and responsibility as they learn more about their bleeding disorder. This experience also fosters self-acceptance as children learn that their bleeding disorder does not define them.

We walk to spread awareness. 

We walk to promote research.

We walk to find a cure.

We walk for our community.

We walk for healing.

We walk for Luke.

We believe that, together, we can create a world free of bleeding disorders – that’s why we Unite.

Every dollar we raise helps the Gateway Hemophilia Association fund urgently-needed research, treatments and support.

If you’d like to support or join us on our mission, please do. 

We appreciate you and thank you, 

from the bottom of our hearts.  

Sincerely, Luke’s Squad