Two years ago, Leanna was a happy teen in good health. During her freshman year of high school her health deteriorated to the point where, in February 2010, she was rushed to Boston Children’s Hospital. There, doctors diagnosed an extremely rare type of tumor on her adrenal gland, a pheochromocytoma. The tumor caused heart problems, temporary loss of vision, exhaustion, difficulty walking, high blood pressure and diabetic symptoms, among other symptoms. Untreated, the tumor would have soon been fatal. Leanna spent five weeks on bed rest at Boston Children’s Hospital and underwent an adrenalectomy, a surgical removal of her adrenal gland. Surgery was followed by a year of recovery and rehabilitation as Leanna worked to regain her health, build strength and walk unassisted. Due to the life-saving care she received, Leanna has resumed playing ice hockey and golf for her junior year of high school. She is an honors student, a member of the Teen Advisory Committee at Boston Children’s Hospital, and a participant in drama and oceanography clubs.
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