Leonardo is a 15-year-old boy who was born with a rare Mitochondrial Disease called COXPD12, caused by the EARS2 gene. Because of this, he has Leukodystrophy, a missing corpus callosum, muscle histochemistry abnormalities, chromosomal imbalance in array 2q11.2, epilepsy, global developmental delay, hypertonia, mild lactic acidosis, curvature of the upper spine, a cardiovascular condition (cardiomyopathy), hypertrichosis, bilateral chronic chalazia and hordeola, a weak immune system, and ragged red fibers.

What is Mitochondrial Disease?

Mitochondrial Disease occurs when the mitochondria in the cells do not produce enough energy. Sometimes they work inefficiently, or not at all. The parts of the body commonly affected are those with the highest energy demands, such as the brain, muscles, liver, heart, and kidneys. Currently, there is no cure for this disease.

Leonardo is under the care of specialized doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Evelina Children’s Hospital. At just 8 months old, he was given only days to live. However, Leo has been fighting for his life ever since, and his progress has been nothing short of miraculous. Thanks to his strength and intensive rehabilitation therapies, he has made significant improvements that continue to inspire us (his parents) and his doctors.

We do everything we can at home to support Leo with exercises, but he requires specialized treatment from the CHS-CEI Intensive Stimulation Center in Portugal to prolong his life span and gain new skills. These treatments have delivered fantastic results: Leo is now walking unaided indoors with approximately 70% balance. Additionally, thanks to therapies and ozone therapy, his mitochondrial cells are stable and not degenerating.

Leo is a devoted big brother to his younger sister, Bianca. He dreams of walking and running with her, being her best friend, and being the best brother he can be.

How You Can Help

Please help us and Leo by donating as little or as much as you can through Tree of Hope. Leo has shown that he can achieve amazing goals, but he needs everyone’s support to continue his progress.

Each treatment costs €5,000, and Leo needs at least two treatments a year to maintain steady progress. Our goal is £100,000, which would allow us to secure and cover as many years of therapy for Leo as possible, giving him the best chance at life.

Every penny and every pound counts toward Leo’s happiness and well-being.

How to Donate

You can donate by text message:

Simply text LEOF50 followed by £10 or £20 to 70070

If we exceed our target amount, do not raise enough, or if the funds cannot be used for any reason, they will go to Tree of Hope to help other sick children.

Visit Leonardo's YouTube page for progress videos and treatment updates:

YouTube: leonardotaniacris

Follow Leonardo’s journey on Facebook:

Facebook: leonardogabrielraredisease

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.