Palo Brea Couple Fuels Dreams of Child Cancer Survivors, Including Their Own Son, with College Support

A charitable organization in Palo Brea is making a difference by providing college scholarships specifically for pediatric cancer survivors. Leo’s Love Legacy, founded by Robert and Desiree Tilbury, was inspired by their son Leo’s battle with T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia, diagnosed at the tender age of 8 in 2018.

Desiree Tilbury reported that in the past year alone, five scholarships were awarded, each valued up to $1,500. Today, Leo, now 14, is thriving as a student at Heritage Academy in Maricopa, three years post-chemotherapy. “He’s doing fairly well,” his mother noted, expressing pride in her son’s resilience.

Notably, the organization extends its aid to siblings of cancer survivors who face financial hardships stemming from treatment costs. The scholarships are funded through various events and online donations from generous individuals.

Desiree reflected on the chaotic journey following Leo’s diagnosis, filled with medical treatments, emotional support, and financial strain. “It made him more independent; it gave him more grit so he can be a fighter,” she elaborated, underscoring the emotional growth stemming from their challenges.

Recognizing other families might face similar financial burdens, the Tilburys established the charity to provide some relief. “After three-and-a-half years of treatment, Leo is cancer-free and ready to take on the world,” Desiree said, explaining their motivation to give back to the community that supported them.

Funding from the organization goes directly to scholarships, with several qualifying college students already benefiting from amounts ranging between $500 and $1,500. Desiree mentioned that they aim to host fundraising events every month or two, actively engaging the local community in their efforts.

The impact of these scholarships extends beyond survivors, offering support to families that have experienced devastating losses. “We spent over $50,000 on our son and we had insurance,” Desiree revealed, illustrating the financial toll that pediatric cancer can exact on families.