At 8 days old, our sweet little Leo was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease known as Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD). This is a lifelong and potentially life-threatening inherited metabolic disorder. Metabolic disorders cause problems with how your body breaks down food. With MSUD, the body cannot break down certain amino acids, the building blocks of protein. When the amino acids build up, it can cause a metabolic crises. If not treated, it will result in death. The odds of someone getting this disease is roughly 1 in every 200,000 births. Fortunately, Leo's parents trusted their intuition when Leo's urine smelled like maple syrup. The doctors informed them if they would have not gotten him to the hospital when they did, he would have not survived the weekend. Their timing ultimately saved his life.

Leo will have to undergo a liver transplant for a chance at a normal life. Until then, he will need to be on a very strict diet, have frequent protein tests, and undergo multiple therapies to make sure he is developing and growing normal.

Leo and his parents, have a long journey ahead of him.

They need your help. Leo will be placed on the donor list but his immediate family are all going to be tested and are hopeful one of them will be the donor Leo needs. Any funds raised will go towards current and future medical needs for this sweet boy. We have faith that after the liver transplant, Leo will be able to live a long, healthy, normal life. Thank you.