Mary Leone

Mary Leone is the mother of two amazing children.  However, her daughter, Viola (Vivi) has a very rare genetic disorder.  Vivi is not even 3 years old and on top of her genetic condition, she was diagnosed with brain cancer.  She went into Boston Children’s Hospital just before Christmas of 2019.  She underwent brain surgery, several rounds of chemotherapy, lung surgery, and bone marrow transplant.  She developed a rare infection and several times nearly died.  Her mother remained with her the entire time which became devastating because once COVID hit in March, there could be no visitors.  So her mom spent day after day, night after night, week after week, month after month by her daughter’s side often sleeping in the same crib as her daughter to keep her safe and secure through the pain and the retching and the unbelievable challenges to this little baby’s body.  Vivi was finally able to come home after over 6 months at Children’s Hospital where mom virtually had to set up a hospital like environment in her home.  She had to reconnect with her son who had to be away from her through Vivi’s ordeal.  And to book, had to quarantine as she returned home due to this deadly surge to protect her vulnerable daughter.  I have been a physical therapist for over 40 years and have the honor of walking this journey with this amazing family.  In those year, I have seen many challenging circumstances in family’s lives.  But these two amazing females are my true heroes.  They deserve to be honored.