Meet Leone: 2022 Family Advocacy Day Champions

Leone is participating in Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day from June 12-14. Through this event, Leone and his their family will discuss his health journey, Children's Health Children's Medical Center Dallas’ role in providing him with necessary health care services, and why the public and our elected officials must invest in the future of patients like Leone.

When Leone was two years old, he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The specialists at Children's Health Children's Medical Center Dallas performed blood tests, a spinal tap and inserted a port for Leone’s chemotherapy.

“The diagnosis took a toll mentally, emotionally and financially,” says Natalie, Leone’s mother. “But Leone channeled the power of his favorite superheroes to fight his fears and endure his appointments at the hospital.”

Now, Leone’s family dresses in superhero costumes every time they go to the hospital. “Our family is all in,” says Natalie. “We have an entire superhero wardrobe: Superman, Spiderman, Batman and the Incredibles. We do this to support our son and to remind his of his courage and strength.”

Leone is almost four years old and is doing great. He enjoys playing soccer and riding his scooter. He is also starting the maintenance phase of his treatment and responding well but requires medicines daily.

“We knew at the time of diagnosis that this would be a battle against leukemia,” says Natalie. “We are grateful for the care Leone received at Children's Health Children's Medical Center Dallas. They were the right team to evaluate and determine what will be best for my child.”