Batten Warriors: Team Leo
In 2018, Leo's wish was granted at the Des Moines Gala. A few weeks later, he spent a week at Disneyland with his family. Because of his love of the movie "Cars," Leo's parents knew a trip to Carsland was the perfect wish.
His Aunt said, "This trip was bittersweet because his Wish was the last time that he was able to eat on his own. He was still verbal, and still able to walk some on his own as well. In the three months following the trip, he began to decline. Leo needed a feeding tube to eat, stopped talking and needed assistance to walk. My sister, Leo's Mom, has stated how very fortunate they were to have had this opportunity at the time they did while Leo was still able to see and experience everything the way a child should."
She continues, "I can't express how grateful our family is to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for giving him and his parents memories to carry with them forever. Batten Disease has taken a lot from Leo, but his fighting spirit and resilience amazes me everyday. He is my hero."
At the 2018 Gala, Leo's mom said, " Every kid deserves to do something extraordinary. When you have a timeline on your life, this gives us the opportunity to do something amazing with him and make memories, which is what it’s all about."
