Benefiting 5-Year-Old Leo and His Brave Battle Against Brain Cancer

These shirt sales are benefiting Leo, a courageous 5-year-old boy who has been fighting an inoperable brain tumor since he was just 9 months old.

Leo was diagnosed in 2021 with a tumor located on his brain stem. Since then, he has endured multiple brain surgeries, long-term chemotherapy, and numerous treatments to manage the many complications that come with pediatric cancer. After nearly 18 months of intense chemotherapy, Leo had to pause treatment due to the toll it took on his body.

Unfortunately, the tumor began to grow again in October of 2024 and Leo started undergoing another two-year round of chemotherapy, which helped keep the tumor stable, but unfortunately the side effects were too tough on him so we ended that treatment. The tumor started growing again quickly so we had to change treatment options. Leo started a new cancer treatment, an at home oral targeted therapy cancer treatment, and thankfully it has helped keep the tumor stable so far. He has had to take multiple breaks from this med though, due to fevers and sickness, so if this med does not work, we will have to get surgery to get his port put back in and go back to chemotherapy through the port. He has been sick a lot lately with fevers, chronic ear infections, and breathing issues so he underwent a surgery in February 2026 and is doing well with many follow ups in place. He sees many specialists and spends a lot of time at appointments in Iowa City.

Despite this challenging journey, Leo continues to show incredible strength and resilience. He undergoes MRI scans every three months to monitor the tumor and faces each day with a bravery well beyond his years.

Leo is the proud big brother to Sofia (4) and Dani (9 months old). His parents, Katelyn Rodriguez and Edgar Rodriguez, both grew up in Ottumwa. Edgar works for Norris Asphalt, while Katelyn stays home to care for their children and help manage Leo's treatments, many of which take place in Iowa City ? a place that has become like a second home.

Your support of purchasing Leo's shirts will go directly toward helping Leo and his family as they continue this lifelong journey of treatment and care.

Help us show Leo that he is not fighting alone, he will be so excited to see people in his community with his name on their shirt.