Little Feet, Big Dreams: Help Hunter Thrive

Hunter Joseph Leible was born on December 8, 2024 to proud parents Marisa Britt and Wade Leible.  Although labor was 41 hours long, Hunter was born happy and healthy.  However, he was born with a club foot, which required immediate and ongoing medical care. 

For our cousin Marisa and her family, the journey began with a mix of joy and concern upon learning about their son Hunter’s condition during pregnancy. The emotional toll can be significant, as they must process their hopes for their child's future while also confronting the reality of medical interventions that will be necessary. After he was born, Hunter required a new cast every week to gradually stretch and reposition his right foot. This required the family to commute from Perryville to St. Louis, Missouri (a nearly 2 hour drive) for Hunter’s specialist care.

At 6 weeks, Hunter’s progress was positive, and he graduated to a longer term brace.  After 6 weeks of wearing the brace, although the curvature of his foot was on-target for straightness, his achilles tendon was found to be too stiff, with barely any flexibility.  In order for his foot to gain the necessary flexibility for healthy and typical movement, it requires surgery to cut the tendon and allow it to grow back.

Although the outcomes are hopeful and Hunter’s progress is positive, medical costs for the family are massive. Despite having insurance, high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, such as $500 for each new cast, have become overwhelming with the amount of care he has needed in his 3.5 months. In addition to expensive pre-  and post-natal care for his club foot, as well as the commuting costs to get to appointments, Hunter is also needing to be monitored for hip dysplasia (which is common with club foot). This requires extra ultrasounds and doctor’s visits. 

Please consider supporting happy little Hunter, and his hardworking parents. Donations, of any amount, are greatly appreciated.  Marisa and Wade are deeply grateful for support, of any kind, as they navigate this next chapter of treatment for baby Hunter.  

To learn more about club foot and where Hunter has received his cast corrections care and where his upcoming surgery is please visit Mercy Kids in St. Louis, MO

https://www.mercy.net/service/pediatric-orthopedics