Help 8-Year-Old Leo Battle Rare Autoimmune Disease

Hi, my name is Rachael, and I am the proud Aunt of 8-year-old Leo Burgess-Scrivens. Right now, Leo is facing an incredibly serious and mysterious health condition that has left him fighting for his life. He is unable to move, speak, or see, and he is currently in a medically induced coma to protect him from further harm.

Leo and his mum, Michelle, traveled from New South Wales to Tasmania on December 31, 2024, to visit family. By January 4, 2025, Leo began experiencing severe eye pain, headaches, and fever. He was admitted to North West Regional Hospital, where, despite receiving excellent care, his condition rapidly deteriorated over the next three days. He was urgently transferred to Royal Hobart Hospital.

By the time he arrived, Leo was hallucinating, completely immobilised, and had a catheter in place. His jaw was locked, and his eyes were rolling back into his head.

A myriad of tests, including lumbar punctures, MRIs of his brain and spine, blood tests, and X-rays, have all returned negative results. Despite the tireless efforts of the medical team and collaboration with specialists from Melbourne and Sydney, including neurologists and infectious disease experts, they have yet to determine the cause of Leo's condition.

The MRI revealed that Leo's entire brain and spine are inflamed, along with inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The current leading hypothesis is that his immune system may be responsible for this severe reaction. Medical professionals have advised that whatever is happening to Leo is extremely rare, and a definitive diagnosis may not be forthcoming.

While we are encouraged to remain optimistic about Leo's potential recovery, the road ahead will be long and challenging. If he does pull through, it will involve extensive rehabilitation and could have long-term health implications.

We are reaching out for your support during this incredibly difficult time. Any contributions, no matter how small, will help support ongoing financial costs as Michelle is unable to return home to work for what's being advised an extensive period of time. Your generosity will make a world of difference for Leo and his loved ones.

Thank you for taking the time to read Leo's story and for considering a donation. Please share this message to help us spread the word. Together, we can support Leo in his fight for health.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Rachael