A 2-year-old boy in Rensselaer, Leo Cruz, is one of the only people in our entire area suffering from a rare brain condition. It’s called lissencephaly.

It impacts Leo’s development, movement and the ability to eat.

The rare brain disorder is also known as smooth brain. It’s caused by a genetic abnormality. Babies diagnosed with it lack the folds in their brains, which interferes with their development, their ability to move or to eat.

At nearly 2 years old, Leo can’t sit on his own or hold his head up.

The rare condition affects approximately 1 in 100,000. Leo’s parents know of only one other family in this entire area also battling this same diagnosis. Sadly, there is no cure.

They work to care for Leo 24 hours a day. Big brother Ezra adores him.

Leo’s parents are sharing his story, and their journey with this rare condition, with the opportunity coming up this weekend for you to help.

Learn about how, by watching the video of Subrina Dhammi’s story.

Here is a Venmo link, if you would like to help the family.