Help Leo Battle Cancer

A Personal Message From Leo:

Hello. My name is Leonardo Xiong. I was 22 when I was diagnosed with a rare leukemia on May 6, 2021 and I have been battling to be cured ever since.

The journey to overcome leukemia has been the most difficult one I have taken yet, filled with incredible highs and agonizingly painful lows. I would not be here without the support of my family, friends, medical staff, and God, all for which I am eternally grateful. I am determined to persevere through this chapter of my life, raise a family of my own, and do the will of God.

Before I take the next major step to defeat the cancer within my body, I humbly ask for your support, whether that be through prayer and/or donation. I thank you with all my heart and soul for your support through this difficult time. God bless.

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A message from Stacy (Leo's sister & stem cell donor):

My brother, Leo, has been bravely battling a rare & aggressive form of leukemia, PH+ MPAL (Philadelphia Positive Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia), since May 2021. He’s persevered through 102+ days in the hospital, multiple emergency room trips, several intensive cycles of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant, and more. Despite 2 ½ years of cancer treatments and the tireless efforts of medical teams at Fresno Community Hospital, and Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, the cancer persists, and our family faces a critical juncture in Leo's battle against cancer.

Leo has been battling a 3rd resurgence of cancer since Sept. ’23, located in his brain & spinal cord (CNS). Leo's case is exceptionally rare, with only 1% of individuals with his diagnosis experiencing the spread of leukemia to the CNS. After 3 months of chemo and failing to achieve remission in his brain & spine, doctors have told us that chemo is no longer an option. The risk of brain and nerve damage from the chemo drugs now outweigh the benefits. Unfortunately, since the last chemotherapy session, Leo has lost some motor function in his left leg—he is now in physical therapy and requires a walker to walk. Therefore, they have recommended CAR T-cell Therapy as the next best option for a cure.

The #1 cancer hospital in the U.S. is MD Anderson located in Houston, TX. It's renowned for its groundbreaking studies on leukemia and expertise in handling complex cases. Houston, TX is a long way from our hometown of Fresno, CA but due to the complexity of Leo’s case, treatment at MD Anderson gives him his best chance.

**How You Can Help**

We humbly seek your support. The journey to defeat Leo’s cancer has placed tremendous financial strain on our family. We've launched this GoFundMe to help provide the care that Leo deserves and alleviate the costs associated with Leo’s battle against cancer. Your contribution, no matter the size, whether it be monetary or prayer, will have a profound impact on Leo's journey toward a healthier, cancer-free future. He has SO MUCH MORE to give to this world.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers through this challenging time. We are deeply grateful for the grace, generosity, and love shown by so many family members, friends, and strangers too.