Thank you Danny Roberts, 
for your 
generous donation!

Summer 2011

Here is Leaf and his Grandpa Ray mowing the fields together - Leaf had such a good time!

As for other exciting activities in Leaf's life - he has truly enjoyed his friends and teachers at Park Elementary these last few months. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has put in effort to make sure he's had a fun and safe experience in school.

Leaf was able to identify different colored toys for me while we worked on the light box at school recently - and with the help of his therapists he is becoming more mobile and communicating through symbols and actions.

Though Leaf is doing well in many ways, he still is struggling to speak. He clearly understands verbal communication, but isn't able to say any words. So, it may be time for more stem cell extracts to help him further develop, and hopefully find the ability to speak. The last segment of the fund raising money went toward the extracts and helped him learn to walk - it has been priceless for him to have this ability. He still has more limitations than the average three year old, but he relishes mobility and movement he has gained and works on improving it more and more. Saying even a few words would make him so proud!

We are forever grateful to everyone who has helped along the way - we know Leaf wouldn't have nearly the quality of life he does now without so much love and support from all of you!

Thank You!

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!!!

RUN FOR LEAF!

Our wonderful friend and cousin Chantel Smith is going to run her first full length marathon on Sept 19, 2009 in Logan UT. She has decided to "Run for Leaf" in light of creating a second opportunity for Leaf to obtain overseas medical treatment to augment his vision. Please visit her blog at www.chantillys.blogspot.com and read all about the path that brought her to this incredible goal. Chantel has always been extremely supportive of our family but especially supportive of Leaf - She is a shining light in our lives. When you see Leaf and Chantel together you can sense her sincere love for him and their beautiful bond. It has been a treat to talk with Chantel during her training - it has truly been life altering an awe inspiring.

GO CHANTEL!!! - BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR RUN!

Lunar New Year

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Leaf enjoying a busy-box

Last day at the Xiaoshan Hospital

Judy, Catherine, Casey, Nancy, and Sophie