Dear friends and family,

Lucas is a bright, loving, and resilient boy who faces daily challenges due to CTD, a rare genetic disorder that limits his brain’s ability to access creatine, an essential compound for energy and development. This condition impacts his speech, cognitive abilities, and motor function, yet his spirit remains unbreakable. Despite the hurdles, Lucas continues to inspire those around him with his determination, joy, and unwavering courage. But he, and so many other children like him, need a breakthrough. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for CTD, and research is crucial to finding therapies that could change lives.

Since 2012, ACD has led the fight against creatine deficiencies. With 100% of Holiday Heroes donations being directed to research, your participation in this campaign is crucial in helping ACD continue that fight.

By donating today, you are directly supporting critical research, drug development, a path toward clinical trials, and resources that give hope to families affected by CTD. Every dollar brings us closer to answers, closer to a future where children like Lucas can thrive. Whether it’s funding scientific advancements or helping families access care, your generosity makes a real impact. Together, we can rewrite the future for Lucas and countless others. Please consider making a donation and being part of this journey toward a cure.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Creatine isn't just for athletes – it's essential for brain development. Children with creatine deficiencies have a genetic deficit that prevents their bodies from making or using creatine, causing developmental delays, speech difficulties, and seizures.

Holiday Heroes serves as ACD’s most important fundraising event.

100 % OF DONATIONS MADE DURING HOLIDAY HEROES GO DIRECTLY TO RESEARCH

ACD has invested over $7.6 million in research since its inception, with over $5.1 million invested in 2026 alone! Current research initiatives include:

UC Berkeley - 1-year research award to accelerate the development of a novel method to deliver a key enzyme directly into cells to enable creatine production in individuals with GAMT deficiency.
Johns Hopkins University - 2-year research investment to accelerate their work to deliver creatine to the brain, including to neurons, using dendrimer nanoparticles, without the need for a creatine transporter, to help patients with CTD.
Stanford University - 2-year research award to build upon their work developing new ways to deliver creatine directly into cells without relying on the faulty transporter protein that causes CTD.
Ultragenyx - Investment in the clinical development of a therapy for Creatine Transporter Deficiency (CTD) with a total commitment of $4 million as the program progresses.

OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Since 2012, ACD has led the fight against creatine deficiencies. We've already added GAMT to U.S. federal screening guidelines and are seeing adoption grow worldwide. With CTD, we're working toward the same milestone - and ultimately, a cure. Our vision is that one day all creatine deficiencies will be identified and treated within seven days of birth, and those already living with CCDS will receive treatments to achieve their maximum potential.

💙🧡 Join us. Be part of the breakthrough. Donate today.💙🧡

The Association for Creatine Deficiencies (ACD) was established in 2012 by parents of children diagnosed with Cerebral Creatine Deficiency Syndrome (CCDS) who decided a rare disease needs a unified community to effect change for the future. The ACD Board consists of unpaid CCDS parent professionals committed to this cause.

Team Lucas - Holiday Heroes 2026