Friday, August 13, 2010














Run for Leaf II: St. George Marathon 2010

Chantel Smith, and Darby Bailey will be running for Leaf this year! Last year's marathon donations contributed to stem cell therapies that both helped Leaf's vision improve and made it possible for him to walk. Leaf's muscles were too weak to support him and it was very frustrating for him because he wanted to walk so badly. He had gotten to the point where he was afraid of falling and had given up trying. After his Swiss stem cell therapy his confidence was restored as well as his strength. He quickly was able to walk confidently and we are now working on maneuvering stairs, jumping on a trampoline and running with guidance. Heartfelt thanks too everyone who donated, you truly made an enormous change in our little one's life!

Leaf's vision therapists have all verbally noted improvement in his ability to use his eyes this year. New eye test results show that indeed the light reaching his visual cortex has increased from last year. When I asked the technician how his test compared to an average child Leaf's age, he said the amount of light getting through was about half of what a average child might see. So, we've gone from zero light perception to one half the average light perception in less than three years. And, we still have plenty of time to continue working on increasing his vision and abilities.

Before his trip to China in 2008, Leaf's original diagnosis said that his vision was less than 20/640, extremely low/no vision. In 2009 his test showed that light was entering his visual cortex and his vision was estimated to be around 20/200, well over a 400 point improvement in one year! This new light test shows without a doubt he can see even better this year. We still need to have his optic nerves re-examined and get a new estimate on his current visual acuity, but we know for sure it's better than 20/640!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has helped us find methods and means to give Leaf the opportunity to have vision, walk and be a happier, healthier, more active little boy. And thank you Chantel, and Darby for your Run for Leaf!!!