15 Stories for 15 Years: Meet Leeanne Wilson
As we celebrate 15 years of MitoCanada, we’re sharing the stories of those who make this community so special. Today, we’re highlighting Leeanne Wilson and her son, Tanner.
Tanner was the baby who completed Leeanne and Patrick Wilson’s family. After a full-term pregnancy and normal delivery, they brought him home to join his big brother, Nolan. But as Tanner grew, they began to notice he wasn’t hitting his developmental milestones. He was slower to walk and talk and had mild eye abnormalities.
Like many parents, Leeanne and Patrick sought answers through countless medical visits. After a fall sent Tanner to the ER, an MRI was completed and they received a devastating diagnosis: Leigh syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease. “We had never even heard of it,” says Leeanne. “When we googled it, we read that Tanner could have as little as two months or up to five years to live to the fullest. That was very hard to unread — and impossible to accept.”
Determined to learn more, Patrick began researching and came across Dr. Aneal Khan in Calgary, who agreed to see Tanner. The family travelled there from their home in Saskatoon. There, after additional tests, they learned that Tanner had Complex 1 Deficiency with Leigh symptoms, caused by his MT-ND6 gene. “We travelled home from Calgary that first time feeling a little less heavy, having more information about Tanner, but still wondering how we would navigate this ‘new normal,’” says Leeanne.
It was Dr. Khan who suggested they connect with MitoCanada and attend an upcoming conference. “That was when I found my tribe,” Leeanne shares. “A group of like-minded, like-confused, hopeful, and questioning people who understood what we were going through and could help our family navigate these rough waters called mito.”
Through MitoCanada, the Wilsons discovered they were not alone. “This group helped us realize we weren’t isolated,” says Leeanne. “Sometimes the support took the shape of a physical aid for Tanner or just a compassionate shoulder to cry on. We were surrounded by other parents all hoping, wishing, and praying for one another and for their own child.”
Today, Tanner is 12 years old and continues to amaze his family with his strength and spirit. “He is a strong warrior, a determined young man who, despite the challenges of mito, approaches life with remarkable resilience,” Leeanne says. “His spirit shines through his daily battles, teaching us invaluable lessons about courage, perseverance, and the true meaning of life.”
Wanting to raise awareness, the Wilsons organized their first Mito Glow Walk in Saskatoon during World Mitochondrial Disease Week. Friends, family, and members of the community dressed in bright green and glowing gear gathered to walk for Tanner and all the mito warriors who have fought or continue to fight this disease. The Wilsons plan to make it an annual tradition.
Leeanne says the support and resources MitoCanada provides have been invaluable. “MitoCanada continues its mission to bring awareness to a disease most have never heard of,” she says. “We’re so grateful for this inspiring and supportive community.”
Leeanne, Tanner, and the entire Wilson family inspire us with their strength, love, and determination. We’re grateful to have them as such an important part of our MitoCommunity.
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