NEWS

Tom Leonhardt with the backpack he will be wearing for 28 days.

Did you know that a backpack can be a lifesaving device?

Thanks to a recent research breakthrough, kids with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) are receiving a new lifesaving treatment through a backpack. It has increased their survival rate to 96% and has allowed them to be home, attend school, play with friends, and get back to doing the things they love.

Tom Leonhardt is taking on the “backpack challenge” to stand in solidarity with the kids who have to wear the backpack during their treatment. He began wearing the St. Baldrick’s backpack Monday, and will be wearing it 24/7 for 28 days just like the children who have to wear it to get their medicine to cure their cancer 24/7 for 28 days. 

Leonhardt’s original fundraising goal was $2,500 to represent the 2,500 kids that will be diagnosed with b-cell ALL this year and to fund research to help all kids with cancer. The good news is that the goal has already been surpassed, but please consider donating – YOU pack the power to take childhood back from cancer!

Leonhardt and his family have been involved with the fight to eradicate Childhood Cancer through the St. Baldrick's foundation for many years. Several years ago, we shared the story when Leonhardt took on the more “traditional” St. Baldrick’s fundraising challenge when he shaved his head for the cause.