Coming off knee surgery in 2009, 51s catcher Landon Powell was working out when he collapsed and went into convulsions. Rushed to a hospital, Powell was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, a rare disease that might eventually require him to undergo a life-saving liver transplant. Despite having to take medication that caused performance-sapping side effects, Powell…
Local Rare Kids
‘Jersey Boy’ Jeff Leibow takes NF fight to Washington
In “Jersey Boys,” Jeff Leibow shows his strength of voice several nights a week. Offstage, he’s showing his inner strength in the fight against the disorder that has affected his daughter. Leibow, who portrays Nick Massi in the Paris Las Vegas production, remains resolute in the fight against Neurofibromatosis, the disease from which his 3…
Young football player with rare disease fulfills dream
It was quite the sight for Amanda Cardiff as she watched her 5-year-old son spike the ball after his first touchdown, something she never thought she’d see because of his rare blood disorder. “He ran up to me and said: ‘Did you see me? Did you see my touchdown?” Cardiff said. Despite Drew Douglas-Cardiff’s love…
Meet Jobyna
Jobyna Casey is a beautiful and spunky 4-year-old girl who lives in Las Vegas. She is Hannah’s friend, Hannah’s first playdate. Her mother and I got along so well because we were both determined “Moms on a Mission” to do whatever we could for our daughters. Her father also works tirelessly to help…