Support Hunter Leisey’s Continued Recovery

*Updated Thank you:

Big THANK YOU to all friends, family, and everyone who reached out in support of Hunter. We helped in a big way and l greatly appreciate everyone who shared support either through some kind words or financially.

Hunter wanted to share a couple of words too!

-“Thank you to everyone for their generosity and support during this time. It really means a lot to me and my family.”

Hunter is getting stronger everyday and prepared to begin his next round of college courses while he awaits the his first hip replacement surgery in December.

Hunters Story:

Support Hunter Leisey’s Continued Recovery

Thank you to all who have come to hear more about Hunter’s story, pass along words of encouragement, and support someone I hold tremendously close to my heart. Throughout Hunter’s hardships he has had to endure throughout his 23 years, he has always had the love of his family and friends, and faces every day with a smile on his face.

CURRENT FIGHT

Currently, Hunter faces the aftermath of a Meningitis infection that resulted in 14 days in the hospital, for most of which he was sedated to keep the swelling in his brain down. Following the treatment of Hunter’s Meningitis, he then faced agonizing hip pain that will soon require a total hip replacement. Hunter is currently undergoing physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around his hips to hopefully ease some of his ongoing pain. His first hip replacement is reserved for December 4th, 2023. The doctors are currently going to hold off on his 2nd hip replacement until he heals more.

FIRST BATTLE

Hunter was diagnosed with AML Leukemia on August 22, 2012, at the age of 12. After facing countless rounds of chemotherapy, over 100 days in the hospital, and a bone marrow transplant, Hunter went into remission by May 2013.

During this time, Hunter and his family were a part of the Four Diamonds Fund and joined Penn State THON. His family was paired with Penn State's Ski Club and this is how l was fortunate to meet them all. l grew close with the family and was astounded to hear how much one kid (let alone one family) can fight through this and remain such a positive, caring, and active family within their community. Hunter went on to lead mini-THONs within his community and became a true family member with Penn State Ski Club THON organization as we all worked to raise money to fight pediatric cancer. Hunter is a powerful symbol of anything that can be possible if you have the right attitude towards a challenge to anyone fortunate to hear his story. l was extremely excited to hear that Hunter was admitted into Penn State Berks in 2018 and would soon begin playing for their Hockey team. Then in 2019, it seemed things had come full circle when Hunter was chosen to dance at Penn State THON--the 46 hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon that provides emotional and financial support, spreads awareness, and ensures funding for critical research—all in pursuit of a cure. Everyone hoped for the continuation of good news, but unfortunately Hunter’s battle would soon begin again. Despite all of the challenges at such a young age, Hunter never lost his positive nature and love to have fun.

BATTLE ROUND 2

In January 2021, Hunter’s leukemia returned. He again had to face many of the same challenges from roughly 8 years prior in addition to new ones. Hunter needed more chemotherapy, an additional bone marrow transplant, and again had to spend numerous long stretches at the hospital with the most accounting for 70 days straight. In addition to these challenges, Hunter faced mouth and throat hindrances that resulted in Hunter losing a tremendous and concerning amount of weight.

Despite struggling to keep weight on in addition to facing many unimaginable treatments, Hunter remained positive. l was fortunate to visit him in August 2021 while he was staying at a hospital apartment. You would never know Hunter was facing such difficult times. We ate pizza, told stories, laughed and hung out like it was any other day. Hunter was thankfully able to again beat the immense difficulties that cancer causes a person and did something unimaginable. Within a year of being allowed back home after treatments, Hunter again took on the immense challenge of dancing Penn State THON’s 46 hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon. I can not stress just how amazing of a feat it was to see him go from barely being able to keep weight on to having the resilience to not only have just fought cancer on his own but stand in support of fighting cancer to raise money for children and families currently in their own battles against cancer.

SUMMARY

Most of this and all of the previous medical challenges Hunter is facing or has faced could understandably dwarf anyone’s resilience, but it has never phased Hunter. He continues with a smile on his face, living life to the fullest. He always jokes around with the nurses, continues to travel to his favorite hockey games, and is taking on physical therapy to strengthen his body like a champion.

If you have gotten this far, I would like to personally thank you for taking the time to read about one of the best families I have been able to help support and has always been here to support me. Hunter’s actions consistently teach me to focus on the positive in the world despite any of the unforeseen circumstances this world can throw at us. Please share your thoughts, stories, and anything you may want to give is truly appreciated to help such a wonderful family.

Have a great day,

Kyle