When Gabrielle and Dave welcomed their baby boy Leon into the world, they never imagined their journey into parenthood would include hospital rooms, oncologists, and at-home chemotherapy. But at just four months old, Leon was diagnosed with a high-grade astrocytoma, which is an aggressive brain tumor so rare in infants that even his neuro-oncologist remarked Leon may be the youngest patient she’s seen with this diagnosis.
A Rare and Difficult Diagnosis
Astrocytomas are tumors that originate from astrocytes. Astrocytes are star-shaped cells in the brain and spinal cord that support nerve cells. High-grade astrocytomas, such as Leon’s, are especially fast-growing and difficult to treat. In babies, treatment is uniquely complicated due to their developing brains and limited options approved for such young patients.
Leon’s care team, in partnership with his family, made the bold decision to treat him with an at-home chemotherapy drug — one so new that long-term outcomes are still being studied. Now, as Leon continues this regimen past the one-year mark, his doctors are exploring whether he could remain on it beyond two years, which would break new ground in pediatric brain tumor care.
Support When It Was Needed Most
Gabrielle recently shared:
“You were the first foundation to ever help us out so tremendously, and we will never forget you.”
When a child faces cancer, it impacts the entire family emotionally, financially, and spiritually. For the Leon family, support from IronMatt came early and meaningfully, providing both relief and a reminder that they weren’t alone. Gabrielle expressed that hearing their story shared during IronMatt’s Annual Board meeting made their gratitude feel “tangible and real.”
“We continue to be amazed by the hope organizations like IronMatt offer to families. We feel supported, listened to, and cared for.”
Hope in the Fight
Despite the uncertainty ahead, Leon continues to amaze his doctors and loved ones alike. With a treatment plan still evolving and new possibilities on the horizon, his journey is a testament to strength in the smallest of warriors — and the big hearts that surround him.
Gabrielle, Dave, Gabby, little Leon, and even Brisket the bulldog are an IronMatt family through and through. And their story reminds us why we do what we do: to give families hope, support, and strength when they need it most.
Join the Fight Against Pediatric Brain Tumors
Every dollar makes a difference. Your support allows us to be there for families like Leon’s — providing financial assistance, emotional support, and hope when it’s needed most.
👉 Donate now and help us fuel research, support families, and stand strong with every IronKid in the fight of their lives.
Together, we are stronger than childhood cancer!
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