I also thought my autoimmune disease would always be just that, my disease.

As someone who lives with autoimmune disease, I know firsthand the physical pain, uncertainty, and frustration that can come with it. I vividly remember lying in bed in 2021, physically unable to pull the covers over my body because of the amount of pain I was in. Never in a million years would I wish that pain on anyone, and certainly not my child.

When I was young, I was diagnosed with uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease that is closely associated with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Years later, I developed joint pain of my own. Fortunately, I eventually found the right treatment, which allowed me to return to the things I love: running, soccer, and most importantly, playing with my son.

Preston is a very special child. For the first six years of his life, he never seemed particularly interested in playing outside. That changed when his mother and I secretly signed him up for soccer.

"Just try it twice," we told him. "If you don't like it, we don't have to come back."

During warmups, he sat on the ground picking grass. But the moment the ball hit the field, everything changed.

He was hooked.

Soccer quickly became his passion. It was all he wanted to talk about, watch, and play. For the first time in his life, he had found something that truly belonged to him. Through soccer, we developed an incredible bond. Watching matches together, attending Houston Dynamo games, playing in the backyard, and even seeing the Argentina National Team together.

In early 2026, we noticed something wasn't right.

Preston began limping during soccer practice. He never complained much about the pain because he didn't want to stop playing. Over the following months, we saw multiple specialists and underwent extensive testing. Eventually, an MRI raised concern for JIA.

My heart sank.

Not my kid. Absolutely not.

As the pain worsened, Preston was ultimately forced to step away from soccer. Rheumatology later confirmed the diagnosis, and he underwent additional imaging, procedures, injections, and physical therapy.

Watching a child who was scoring goals just months earlier struggle to walk is something no parent should ever experience.

Fortunately, Preston's story is still being written. With treatment and perseverance, he is on the path back to doing what he loves. After all, he still insists he's going to be the next Messi.

Throughout this journey, I realized that no family should have to face this alone. The financial burden of medical care can be overwhelming, and the emotional burden can be even greater.

KickJIA was created to help children living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis stay active, return to the soccer field, and experience the childhood they deserve.

Because every kid deserves to play.