Welcome to Leo’s League Pediatric
Cancer Fund Webpage!
Our Mission
Our Mission at Leo’s League is to help relieve the stress of families battling pediatric cancer and allow them to concentrate on treatment and their loved one by providing support, advocacy, and financial assistance.
We want to help where we can and want these families to know that they are not alone. We have been there, we have fought, and we want to help.
Leo’s Story
Leo is a rambunctious 4-year-old boy. He is full of life and will light up a room. He was diagnosed with Stage 5 Wilms Tumor Kidney Cancer with metastasis to the lungs, just one month before his 3rd birthday on 8/11/22. He had big tumors on both of his kidneys as well as scattered throughout his lungs.
He endured a total right nephrectomy (removal of his right kidney) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in December 2022. He received treatment at Lehigh Valley Health Network. This included 28 rounds of chemo and 9 rounds of radiation to his chest and abdomen.
It was found he has Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome which is a gene mutation that can cause this kind of cancer. He will undergo scans every three months until he reaches seven years of age.
On August 11, 2023 Leo rang the bell signifying he finished treatment and is in remission. He has had clear scans since.
We would like to help spread awareness and help with financial support for those families affected by pediatric cancer.
Meet the Board of Directors
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Laurie Merkel
President
As Leo’s Great Aunt, Laurie is honored to be President of Leo’s League Pediatric Cancer Fund to help Andrea and Dan “Pay it Forward” to other local families battling Pediatric Cancer. She has seen firsthand the effect Cancer has on a family and if we can help alleviate even some of the burden, we have achieved our mission. Laurie Merkel graduated from Penn State University and has worked in the Lehigh Valley for 30+ years. She resides in Macungie with her husband and enjoys spending time with family, reading and going to the beach.
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Andrea Kushnir
Vice President
Andrea Kushnir is 33 years old and is Leo’s mother. She has a degree in biology from Ursinus College, a degree in nursing from DeSales University, and is currently in school for her Masters in Healthcare Administration. She is married to Daniel Kushnir and lives with him and their two boys; Keegan (5) and Leo (4).
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Mary Cross
Secretary
Mary Cross hails from Allentown, PA, where she lives with her family. Friends with both Dan and Andrea Kushnir since childhood, she's happy to see her own son grow up along side Keegan and Leo. She is currently serving as the Board Secretary to Leo's League Pediatric Cancer Fund, and is Chair of the volunteer effort for Leo's Pediatric Cancer Fund-Fest. She's excited to help champion this great cause for Leo's League!
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Daniel Kushnir
Director
Daniel Kushnir is Leo’s loving father and lives in Orefield with his wife Andrea. He is a MSW inpatient care manager with LVHN. Working in human services throughout his career, he has always advocated for his patients. It has been his mission the past 18 months to be an advocate not just for his own family, but every family experiencing childhood cancer.
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Tracy Migliori
Director
Tracy Migliori is 33 years old, resides in Schnecksville, PA and enjoys traveling, spending time outside, and going to concerts. She is proud to help out her lifelong friends as a board member and vendor chair of the fundraiser.
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Brittany Pressmann
Director
Brittany Pressmann lives in Bethlehem, PA with her daughter Fallon (4). She is the loving godmother to Leo and has been best friends with the Kushnir family for years. Brittany has been teaching for ten years at EEACS in Allentown. She loves being involved in her community and helping others anyway she can. Brittany is our publicity chair and is also running the kid’s crafts area at Leo’s Pediatric Cancer Fund-Fest.
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Chantel Greenawald
Director
Chantel Greenawald has worked in the Finance sector for the last ten years and has been a close friend of the Kushnir family for years. She is chair of the bake sale for the Leo's League Pediatric Cancer FUND-fest. Chantel enjoys baking in her free time and sharing her treats with her family and friends. She is passionate about helping people and giving back to her community. She is also passionate about supporting local animal rescues.
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Barry Schlosser
Director
Barry “Bear” Schlosser is 49 years old and lives in Slatington PA with his wife Kristin. He’s done charity work for the American Cancer Society and “Driven to Save Lives.” Low Down Entertainment, concentrating on all forms of motorsports, is his main focus now. He has also been working in the cement industry for 24 years.
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Michelle Michael-Mill
Director
