In just three days, the Durham community has raised over $39,000 for a family in need. The goal was originally set at $35,000.
Leo, a local Oshawa child was diagnosed with leukemia in 2024 when he was only three-years old. One day he was running and playing and living his best life with his mom, dad and two big sisters, and the next day he was living at SickKids, getting hooked up to every machine, undergoing tests, chemo, car-t cell therapy, and eventually a bone marrow transplant, followed by weeks of quarantine and recovery, said an appeal on GoFundMe.
During all of this, he was so brave, he handled everything that was thrown at him with incredible strength and positivity, he never complained, and made the most of each hospital adventure.
In July 2025, Leo was able to come home. He was welcomed home by his sisters who missed him greatly, and all his friends and family. A new chapter in his life had begun.
Back at SickKids
However, that chapter abruptly ended on December 1 when Leo was taken to SickKids after he started displaying some symptoms his family unfortunately recognized.
Leo’s mom and dad were starting to get excited for Christmas at home, together with their family, and were planning their first family trip through ‘Make A Wish’ to Disney in January. In a blink of an eye, they’ve had to uproot their lives, just weeks after Leo got to start school and feel normalcy in his life, they’ve had to split up their family again, and prepare to fight for their baby boy’s life, again.
Thankfully, the community came out in droves to support this family. In the first 24 hours of the campaign going live, the community raised $27,000. In just one day, the fundraiser was already trending on the platform.
Leo’s family goal has now been met and crossed. The family is very thankful and appreciate for the generosity of the community.
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