SCI Superstar: Luke Riley

When he was 9 years old, Luke Riley from Grand Forks, North Dakota, sustained a spinal cord injury, but he didn’t let that stop him from being the fun loving kid that he was. Whether he played floor hockey or hung out with his neighborhood friends, Luke and everyone in his life, from his friends to family, showed the world exactly how children with spinal cord injuries should be included in life after their injury. 

Why He’s Fearless

A fateful day in January of 2015 changed Luke’s life forever. While sledding with his neighborhood friends, he hit a snow fort that he and his friends built and broke his neck at the C5-6 level. After his injury, the entire Grand Forks community came out to raise money for him, raising thousands of dollars.

His mother Maureen is also physical therapist. While she never imagined her son would become a quadriplegic, she was prepared. “Luke is pretty much a textbook C5-6 quad,” she says. “He is strong in his shoulders, has some biceps and very little finger function, except some L thumb,” she adds. “He also uses a powerchair and goes as fast as he can.”

When Luke returned home, his entire family, including his sister Jillian, helped him get back in the swing of things. His neighborhood friends also worked hard to stay involved in his life.

“My greatest fear following the weeks after his injury was that Luke would be alone and lonely. HA! He is surrounded by friends almost all of the time!” says Luke’s mom. “It’s amazing. I love this group of kids so, so much. We are grateful every day for them, especially Aria and Alex, who are Luke’s two closest friends. They play together every day and it is the best!”

What’s Next

Luke with his friends and family in a fundraiser run shortly after his injury.

Luke transitioned back to a “normal” life impressively after his injury. He said making friends after his injury was easy and he’s a huge fan of having a fearless attitude. “You have try different things to see if other things work better for you!” he says. “If you can’t do it, ask for help and eventually you will be able to do it yourself.”

Luke also tried adaptive sports post-injury. “He tried tried sled hockey for the first time a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Hockey is HUGE around here,” says Maureen. “He also did his first 5k: Partially in his manual chair and partially in his power chair. It was awesome!”

“Luke has always been really diplomatic and a great observer as well,” she adds. “He often officiates the games at school and really likes that. He plans to be a lawyer and judge one day. He can find a loop-hole in any argument and is a master negotiator.”

When it comes to advice for parents with children who are injured at a young age, Maureen shares this. “Remember that every child is different and that it is THEIR life, not yours,” she says. “Also, give them choices as you are able and empower them to be their own advocate if possible. And try to find joy in everything. Look for it and you will find it! Luke has taught US so much. He rarely complains and focuses on his strengths instead.”

Now a teenager, Luke plays sled hockey each season and plays wheelchair baseball in the spring/summer months. He also has his driver’s license and drives a specially adaptive van.