Leo was born in February 2003, early but without problems. It was obvious from his first breath that he was a fighter and would need all the fight he could muster for a battle against an inoperable brain stem tumor. He is big brother to twins Anna and Nina, and makes sure they know who is the boss. Leo has many interests and hobbies including digging and construction equipment, superheroes, trains, planes, and loves to make a mess! Leo died October 23, 2006 at 3:15am.

An excerpt from Leo's website:
Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Dear Leo,

It's been 10 days since you were taken from us and things have not gotten much easier. If I were to describe how much we miss you, I would certainly be understating it. Anna and Nina are helping us a lot with trying to go on. They know you aren't here with us anymore, but keep us going. Maybe they know much more than anyone even imagines, meaning they know you're alright, so they aren't sad. In fact, when they see either of us sad they tell us to cheer up. In the evening of the day you took your last breath here, I told the girls that you no longer had any "owies." Since then, they don't ask where you are, which they always did when you in the hospital, and they don't say you have any owies. They must know more than we; they know you are in a better place now.

So many people came to say goodbye at your funeral last Wednesday. It was standing room only! Cantor Rob led a beautiful service and when he chanted the Psalms, it was as if King David, himself, was there to guide you through the valley of the shadow of death. At home, lots of people came from all over, brought food, and helped us mourn as well as celebrate your short life. After seven days, your shiva candle burnt-out today, so shiva is over. We went to the cemetery today with your Grandparents, my Aunt and Uncle, and Cousin Irina. We all miss you so very much...

Leo, you probably already know, but our on-line friends from Vancouver lost their precious daughter, Hannah, yesterday to the same monster as you. Show her the ropes; she seems like a really sweet girl. Yesterday was also Halloween. It was very sad without you. Remember last year? You were Batman, Anna was a spider, and Nina was a pumpkin. This year, Anna and Nina were Care Bears. Regardless, everyone feels your absence, even every room in our house seems to miss you.

We love you, Leo. Always have and always will.

To read more about Leo’s story, please visit: http://leodubinsky.blogspot.com/

Written by Leo’s dad, Yury Dubinsky
Posted: 02/09