personal fundraiser
Leo Swider
Meet Leo
Leo is a joyful, adventurous four-year-old who lights up every room he enters. He was born with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes hearing loss and progressive vision loss. While his journey comes with unique challenges, Leo faces each day with endless curiosity, determination, and a love for learning that inspires everyone around him. Whether he’s exploring the world around him or discovering something new, his bright smile and resilient spirit remind us to embrace every moment.
Leo is surrounded by an incredible community of family, friends, teachers, therapists, and specialists who are dedicated to helping him reach his fullest potential. Together, we are committed to giving him every opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
While there is currently no cure for Usher syndrome, there is hope. Researchers around the world are making promising advances, and we have joined forces with scientists who are working to develop treatments for Leo’s specific form of the condition—Usher syndrome Type 2C. Our greatest hope is to preserve Leo’s vision before it begins to decline, giving him the opportunity to continue experiencing the world he loves for years to come.
Your donation will directly support PUSH (the Pipeline for Usher Syndrome Research) and the Usher Syndrome Society’s Translational Research Grants, helping accelerate research that brings potential treatments closer to families like ours.
Every gift—big or small—helps move research forward and brings us one step closer to effective treatments and, one day, a cure. More importantly, your generosity gives children like Leo, and countless others living with Usher syndrome, something priceless: hope.
Thank you for standing with our family and the entire Usher syndrome community. Together, we can help create a brighter future for Leo and for everyone affected by this rare disease.