Bio:
Lebo is a strong and independent middle schooler who has a passion for learning about interesting trucks, jeeps and RV campers. He has also found a new love for camping with his family and he enjoys spending time with his brother and sister.
Lebo was born in South Africa where he was well loved and cared for by the staff in a local care home. Unfortunately, they lacked access to the resources, doctors and therapies needed to care for his cerebral palsy diagnosis. As a result, he did not walk or use his legs much. In fact, Lebo often got around sitting on a skateboard and using his arms to propel him from place to place.
At 7-years-old, Lebo found his forever family with parents, Angela and Matt, right here in St. Louis. When Angela and Matt brought Lebo home, they took him to the Center for Cerebral Palsy Spasticity at St. Louis Children's Hospital. The team specializes in Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), a surgical procedure in which children with cerebral palsy are given an opportunity to transition from depending on a wheelchair to walking sticks, or even the ability to walk, run and play with no assistance.
As a result of SDR surgery, Lebo is doing amazing things today. He is walking with canes and enjoying every second of his independence. Now that he is in middle school, he has been able to navigate the large building on his own. His life is so much better because of St. Louis Children's Hospital. Lebo continues to visit St. Louis Children's weekly and he is still working towards his goal of being able to take independent steps. He looks forward to participating in the Tri My Best adaptive triathlon each year, where he can show all his friends and family how hard he has been working on reaching his goals.
Lebo's family hopes for continued independence for him. Their dream for Lebo is to be able to walk in the front doors of his care home on their next trip to South Africa.
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