In January 2024, Leslee and her family received news that her son, Emerson Leo, was diagnosed with PNP deficiency, a rare genetic disorder. As if that wasn’t a big enough shock, they soon learned that her youngest, Bryson, then age one, also has PNP deficiency. The family already knew how serious this disease was because it’s the same illness that Leslee’s husband, Ben, lost his little sister, Anna, to when she was just three years old.
But here’s the amazing thing about caregivers like Leslee and Ben: despite the heartbreak, this family is facing everything with so much strength. They also had their other son, Andy (who’s seven), tested and found out that he’s a carrier of the disease, though he doesn’t have it himself.
The only treatment for PNP deficiency is a bone marrow transplant—and Leo has been blessed with a perfect match donor. His transplant is scheduled for late February 2025 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. After Leo’s recovery, the plan is for Bryson to have his transplant later in the year, and Andy, being the perfect match, will be his donor. It’s a lot to take in, but the family is moving forward with determination and love.
Leslee, who stays at home with the boys, and Ben, who will now work from home, have their hands full. They’ll be traveling to Cincinnati for Leo’s treatment, and they’ve got a lot of moving parts—childcare for their two-year-old, meals, and the usual busy life stuff. Cocktails & Caregivers Foundation is privileged to offer grant programs such as our Keeping Caregivers Close, to assist with the costs associated with traveling to Leo’s appointments and bone marrow transplant in Cincinnati.
But don’t let the heavy stuff fool you—Leslee’s a rockstar mom! Despite everything, she’s keeping things light and fun for her boys. Leo, for example, is a little comedian. Just recently, when he had to undergo outpatient surgery for his transplant, he cracked up the nurses by saying he was going to have his mom and dad call the police on them for not letting him eat all day. What an amazing boy, finding a way to make everyone laugh, even when things get tough!
With Leo’s bone marrow transplant scheduled for March 4th, 2025, and a hospital stay of 6 to 8 weeks afterward, Leslee and her family are in for a rollercoaster ride. But they’re ready to face it all with the same amazing attitude that’s gotten them this far. Andy and Ben plan to visit on weekends, so they’ll keep their spirits up and support each other through every twist and turn.
Leslee’s journey is a beautiful reminder of the power of family, resilience, and a sense of humor—even when life throws you curveballs. She’s tackling this rare and challenging disease head-on with love, grace, and a whole lot of laughs along the way.
You can read more about the Martin’s courageous journey by visiting Emerson Leo’s CaringBridge.
The Impact of Your Support
Please keep Leslee, Ben, Emerson Leo, Bryson, and Andy in your prayers as they navigate this crazy journey. Your love and support mean more than they can say. Thank you for being part of their incredible story! Thank you for standing with us, and thank you for standing with caregivers everywhere. Donate here to help more families like the Martin’s cocktailsandcaregivers.org/donate.
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