Original Update (Summer 2022)

Leah is a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in July 2022. Leah lives at home with her loving mother and 9-month-old sister. Leah’s mother has always had a full time job and in May of this year she was offered a job working for a school with better pay and working environment. She started that job in early June and Leah started getting sick in mid July. Because she has only been there a short period of time, she does not qualify for FMLA. Leah’s mother currently has no income and has to find family and friends to care for her infant when in the hospital with Leah.

Leah has some significant physical limitations as a result of the tumor and the biopsy she underwent at the time of diagnosis. She requires physical and occupational therapy twice a week and is currently undergoing daily (Mon.-Fri.) radiation treatments. Leah requires the use of a walker and needs her mother to assist her with many tasks of daily living.

JUST TRYAN IT provided a Deep Needs grant to the family covering their household expenses for three months.

“At that point I was so overwhelmed and had no idea when I would be able to get back to work. I couldn’t believe there were organizations like yours that would help people. It was such a relief to know that my mortgage was paid for three months.” – Blanc, mom of Leah

July 2023 Update

“Leah finished her second round of radiation. She is currently going through infusion and we are in the works of looking into a clinic trial.” -Leah’s mom