The hospital that delivered Creed’s diagnosis offered no treatment options—and, devastatingly, told his family there was nothing they could do for him. After months of searching and research, they found hope at Duke Children’s, where Creed’s mother remembers being told that while the team couldn’t heal Creed, they would do everything they could to give him the best chance at a healthy and fulfilling life. 

In 2015, Duke was named one of only nine Certified Duchenne Care Centers in the country by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. This designation recognized Duke’s leadership in treating this rare, progressive neuromuscular disease. In 2017, Duke was one of several sites in a clinical trial for a new Duchenne treatment. Creed was able to enroll in the trial and began a regimen of making weekly trips to Duke Children’s – a two-hour drive one way from his hometown – to receive the infusion-based treatment. 

Creed made many friends during the long days spent at the Valvano Day Hospital, where Duke Children’s patients receive chemotherapy and other outpatient infusions. Creed charmed all the nurses and loved spending time with members of the Arts & Health team, who would bring arts and craft projects to keep children occupied while receiving treatment. After several years in the trial, the new treatment received FDA approval which meant Creed could receive the drug, called Viltepso via home-care infusion. While his family didn’t miss the drive, they did miss their weekly visits with their friends at Duke! 

Creed, who turned 13 in summer 2025, has thrived on the new treatment, which greatly slows the most devastating symptoms of Duchenne. Recently, Creed had a port installed to ease in the receiving of the infusion. Now 13, Creed can still walk and remains mobile. As one of the earliest enrollees in the trial, Creed and his family weren’t just receiving care—they were actively contributing to the future of DMD treatment for others. 

In addition to his weekly at-home infusions Creed visits Duke at least every six months for comprehensive follow-up through the Neuromuscular Clinic. These visits include evaluations by neurology, cardiology, pulmonary, endocrinology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, and social work. Creed, and other patients like him, can see all their specialists in one place on the same day. 

Beyond his medical journey, Creed has become a source of inspiration in the Duke Children’s community. He was a featured patient at the 2019 Duke Children’s Gala and has attended Radiothons, Dance Marathons, and partner campaigns, bringing energy and joy wherever he goes. His story has moved donors, motivated volunteers, and helped connect supporters to the real-life impact of their efforts. He is also an enormous Duke athletics fan and was an honorary member of the Duke Football team through Team IMPACT. Creed remains in touch with several of Duke players he met during his time with the program. 

Creed’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and hope. Thanks to Duke Children’s, he has access to cutting-edge treatment—and thanks to Creed, others living with Duchenne have hope for a better future. His strength and smile light up every room, and his determination reminds us of what’s possible with the right care and an unstoppable spirit.