The Pomona community is rallying around the Burton family after eight-year-old Leo Burton was diagnosed with Moyamoya, a chronic and progressive condition that causes narrowing of the arteries in the brain and leads to blockages.
A gofundme page set up by Pomona mum Rachel Pelizzo says the diagnosis was determined to be the cause of Leo’s increasingly frequent crippling headaches, numb hands and feet, and slurred speech.
“Basically, Leo has been having mini stroke episodes leading up to this life-saving diagnosis. Without surgery, there is a high chance of Leo suffering a major stroke so it’s critical this happens ASAP“.
When Little Jo Power heard of the diagnosis of the Pomona State School student and attendee of outside school hours care (OSHC), where she works, she contacted Glenn (Puck) Puckeridge of Noosa charity Smile for a Child Foundation.
“Within a week Puck had the funds of $5000 approved by our Smile Committee to support Little Leo with his fight against Moyamoya disease,“ she said.
The cheque was delivered to the family on Sunday 10 December by Smile for a Child patron Michael O’Connor and Little Jo at a fundraiser at Pomona cafe SpillDEBeans organised by Rachel.
“What a day we had on Sunday – a huge show of support for Leo and his family, especially the wonderful Chrissy as she shaved her locks to match her boy (in preparation for the fast-approaching surgery) and donate them to Wigs for Kids,“ Rachel said.
“Not only a huge turn out but an outpouring of love and generosity through donations and a total of eight heads shaved. It was fun, joyous and emotional and Leo has already tackled another scan with two more to get through before Christmas.
“A huge thanks goes to Leila and Jason at SpillDEBeans for letting us use their beautiful space and to our Little Jo from Pomona State School OSHC who we didn’t realise doubles as an angel with Smile for a Child Foundation providing financial support to sick kids with her colleague Michael.
“And lastly a big thanks to our Pomona community and the family’s extended community who all showed up for the Burton’s.“
Rachel said Leo had a long road ahead of tests, surgery to bypass the compromised arteries, and recovery to allow his body time to readjust to the changes, and this will no doubt take a toll on the whole family emotionally and financially.
“Leo is a beautiful soul and a kind friend with an infectious smile and greeting for everyone,“ she said.
“I’m fundraising in the hope to cover some of the extras, take the pressure off Chrissy and Elliot just a little and ensure they all get time for some fun and relaxation when they can. Chrissy will likely be off work for an extended period of time to support Leo’s recovery.
“If you can spare a few dollars for Leo and his family we know how much they would dearly appreciate it.“
To help Leo and his family, donate to the gofundme page at gofundme.com/f/leo-beat-moyamoya
