Toddler delivers lessons in love and courage in his young life.
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
The little boy with the bright eyes has spent half his life at Riley Hospital for Children.
Leo (Leandro) Galvez, who turns 3 on May 3, has captured the hearts of nurses, doctors and therapists on just about every unit of the hospital, starting in the NICU, where he spent five months after he was born.
But his Riley journey started before birth, when his parents, Luis and Cinthia Galvez of Noblesville, learned their baby had Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by overgrowth, an increased risk of childhood cancer and certain congenital features. He also has 1p36 deletion syndrome, another disorder that leads to a range of physical and developmental issues.
“All the specialists started looking at his case,” Luis Galvez said of the Riley team. “They had a good plan when he was delivered; the room was full of doctors.”
That was the beginning of their love story with their lionhearted little boy. (The name Leo from its Latin origins means lion and is often associated with strength and courage.) He would go on to have multiple surgeries and spend time on the fourth floor, the fifth floor, the seventh floor and the eighth floor.
“He is so loved by everyone,” his dad said. “And he loves the attention. He has developmental delays, so he doesn’t speak, but his eyes definitely tell you what he wants.”
Often what he wants are nonstop videos of Ms. Rachel, a YouTuber who has captured the hearts of toddlers everywhere.
“He is Ms. Rachel’s biggest fan.”
But after making the rounds at the hospital for the past three years, through genetics, pulmonology, cardiology, gastroenterology and other specialties, little Leo is back in his own bed now. His parents made the difficult decision to bring him home on hospice care last week.
That’s because Leo’s latest battle – cancer – cannot be overcome, his dad said.
The timing seems particularly cruel.
“For the longest time, Leo had a happy story,” Luis Galvez said. “He was doing great. They did a sleep study last year, and he was taken off the ventilator. He was starting to make a lot of progress.”
Leo was named a Riley Champion by the Riley Children’s Foundation for 2025 and recently had a Riley wagon dedicated in his honor.
Luis and his wife got pregnant again, excited to see Leo become a big brother.
“Then cancer came and set us all back. He was in good shape, and then he wasn’t.”
It was last fall when the family found out Leo had Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer that is often treatable. They soldiered on. He had surgery and started chemo, then another surgery.
“He has been so brave, so resilient.”
In February, they learned the cancer had spread to his spine. After consulting with his Riley team, they chose to bring Leo home to spend as much time together as a family as they could.
In the midst of this heartbreaking transition, Cinthia gave birth to the couple’s second child last Saturday – a boy they named Alonso.
The brothers had their picture taken together just days ago, but no matter how long they have together, Luis said Alonso will know his big brother.
“We will teach him how brave his brother was and all the love and care that went into him,” Luis said. “Leo has really showed everyone the value of life and love. He fought every day.”
They remain grateful for the many teams at Riley who cared for and loved their little Leo. And as the family of four settles in at home, they cherish all the small moments.
“Leo is staying comfy and getting spoiled by all of his friends and family,” said Luis, adding that the family will celebrate Leo’s birthday this weekend, a week shy of his third birthday.
“He is the sweetest little boy. He’s so calm. Through everything, he’s been a joy.”