Leah's Loves

My name is Laura - or Tantie Lodo as my niece Leah calls me. I am creating this fundraiser to help support my amazing niece Leah and her family. Leah loves LOVES to try new things, and wants so much to do what other kids do - but at 6 years old that goal has always been harder for her than most. Leah's stats are impressive: 1139 days admitted in hospital, over 200 surgical procedures, 29 airlifts, 17 blood transfusions, over 37 specialists past and present. The trips from Sault Ste. Marie to Toronto are endless, appointments for treatments and therapies are never ending, and the weekly dressing changes are critical. The picture of her used for this fundraiser is of Leah with her bravery beads; each one represents a poke or procedure; and it's only a fraction of the ones she's earned.

Leah's family has dedicated everything to her care; her 8 year old brother knows that life can be upended at any moment because of Leah's needs, my brother-in-law works endless hours to support the family on one salary, and my sister is Leah's full-time caregiver and fiercest advocate. They have up until now resisted asking for much help unless there is no other option - but my sister said "it's time - we have been doing this for so long and we are tired. We just want to be able to give Leah a bike like any other kid; but hers has to be custom made, be able to carry her oxygen tanks/iv pumps and medications. How are we supposed to buy her a bike when all of her equipment costs mount up so quickly? I am just so tired of always having to prioritize medical needs/costs over the fun/family things in life."

For Tantie Lodo and many others there has been little we could do to actually help, so when my sister asked me to run a fundraiser to help them buy Leah a bike, I clearly said yes. If there are any extra funds left over after purchasing her custom bike (picture attached to give you an idea of what kind of bike is required) they will be used for future medical expenses, such as specialized luggage for travelling with her medical equipment. Any help anyone can give towards helping Leah experience more of the things she loves to do, with those who love her, would be incredibly appreciated by her entire family. Every little bit counts - for my warrior niece who deserves so much more of the good stuff that life has to offer, and to know just how much life is worth fighting for.