Maryland Trek
with Justin Berk
Age: 14
Type of Cancer: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), later relapsed with therapy-related Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Treatment Status: Preparing for bone marrow transplant following relapse
Route: Kent Island/Grasonville to Sharptown
Total Miles = 47: 27 on foot, 20 on bike
VIDEO
Leanna’s cancer journey began at just 11 years old. After a family vacation to Universal, she began complaining of severe back pain that wouldn’t go away. Her mom knew something wasn’t right. Despite multiple doctor visits and initial tests showing nothing alarming, the pain persisted and intensified—until one night, Leanna was crying in bed and her mom made the call to head to the ER.
That visit led to bloodwork, a transfer to Johns Hopkins, and eventually a bone marrow aspiration that revealed devastating news: Leanna had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Her bone marrow was over 95% leukemic.
She started treatment almost immediately, but the road wasn’t easy. Leanna faced numerous complications, including a stroke-like side effect from methotrexate that left her temporarily paralyzed on her left side, and steroid-induced bone damage (AVN) in both her knees and hips. After multiple surgeries, including core decompression and a hip replacement, she finally rang the bell in December 2023.
But just weeks later, Leanna relapsed—this time with therapy-related AML, a rare and aggressive leukemia that resulted from prior chemotherapy. She and her family relocated to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) to pursue advanced treatment, including a clinical trial and an upcoming bone marrow transplant—with her younger brother proudly stepping up as her donor.
Despite everything, Leanna remains fiercely strong. She’s a painter, a Swiftie, a huge Bob Marley fan, and recently started learning guitar as a form of therapy. Music has become her outlet—her way of staying grounded. Her dream? To ride in a Jeep with her best friend and dogs in the back, blasting music and soaking in the sunshine.
She’s also incredibly close to the U.S. Naval Academy women’s soccer team, who’ve embraced her as part of their family. She even has her own locker in the team’s facility. That connection has been a source of light and strength, reminding her that she’s never alone in this fight.
Just In Power Kids has helped Leanna’s family with meals, support, and kindness during the darkest days. “Those things that might seem small—they matter,” her mom shared. “They remind you that people still care, that you’re not forgotten.”
Leanna says being a Power Kid makes her feel strong and seen. She’s taken her own shots, memorized her medications, and learned to advocate for herself. Her strength is quiet but unshakable.
When asked what she wants others to know about pediatric cancer, she kept it honest:
“It’s not easy. It’s hard. But you’ll get through it. You’ve got this.”
