When Leonidas Boyne was born, he seemed—for all intents and purposes—to be a healthy, happy child. At five months old, he is still a bubbly, happy baby with a smile that lights up the room, despite the obstacles that he has faced in his young life. Leonidas was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in December 2022 after his doctors had identified a hard lump in his abdomen during a wellness visit.
As reported by KKTV, Chris and Chelsea Boyne were shocked to learn about their son’s diagnosis. But the complications kept coming. Because Leonidas is still so small, he requires an oxygen tank for respiratory support; the abdominal mass crowds his other organs. He has undergone chemotherapy for the abdominal lump, as well as additional masses that have been found on his liver. His family, including his two sisters, find this journey to be hard. Watching Leonidas have to undergo so many medical procedures is emotionally jarring, especially when he is experiencing pain.
Even with insurance, chemotherapy, doctor visits, hospital stays, and other medical needs are expensive. To help mitigate the costs, the Boyne family is fundraising and asking the community for support.
If you would like to rally behind the Boyne family, you may donate here.
What is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that forms from early nerve cells called neuroblasts. Since adrenal glands have similar origins to nerve cells, neuroblastoma often forms in the adrenal glands. It may also form in other areas of the body such as the chest, neck, abdomen, or near the spine. Because it forms in immature nerve cells, neuroblastoma is most common in children and infants under five years of age. It is rare for this cancer to occur in children older than ten. Symptoms and characteristics can include:
- A mass in the neck, chest, or abdomen
- Diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits
- Bone pain
- Bulging eyes
- Movement restriction
- Abdominal distention
- Difficulty breathing (in infants)
- Fever
- Unintended weight loss
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Painless, bluish lumps under the skin
Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, MIBG theapy, and stem cell transplants.
