A rare disease is impacting several members of a Lubbock family. Three of the four children have been diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia, a nerve condition without a cure.
HSP only affects a handful of patients in the U.S. but one of Becky Garcia's sons has already been diagnosed and two more are showing signs of the disorder.
"It's not easy to get that diagnosis after you've seen what it has done to your sibling and it's not easy for a mom either to deal with one child then have the rest of your children diagnosed with a rare condition," Becky Garcia said.
HSP primarily causes spinal nerves to deteriorate, resulting in progressive weakness in the legs that will continue to worsen over time.
"It's definitely a struggle moving from day to day," said Tristan Montoya, Garcia's son. "There's pain involved sometimes. Spasms and stuff."
Tristan said he used to be an athlete but since the diagnosis, his physical activity is limited.
Now his sisters -- four and 15-year-old -- are showing signs of HSP. His sister Janaya said she's looking up to her brother for inspiration going forward.
"Seeing what my brother goes through," Janaya said. "I kinda know how to cope with it and what really to expect."
"I just gotta be a good role model, I gotta show them that they've gotta keep fighting," Tristan said. "I mean, even if there's not a cure, everyday their learning new stuff. There's scientists in the lab just progressing and stuff almost faster than the disease. Its just a goal to look forward to. The more awareness we can get, the faster it can happen."
Even though it's devastating news, Garcia said they have to keep pushing for a cure.
"I think that this is our cross to bear," Garcia said. "I really, truly believe that this is our mission. We have to forge forward in the pursuit and to live a good and healthy life and if this is what has to happen in order for other children to not to have to go through what our children are having to go through, then I guess that's what we're going to have to go through."
If you would like to get involved, an event is being held next Thursday at Altitude Trampoline Park benefiting the fight against HSP.
