Leo Lagana dies, funeral service planned
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Inspirational Australian dies tragically at the age of 22 surrounded by family and friends: ‘RIP my angel’
An inspiring Australian with dwarfism has died at the age of 22.
Leo Lagana was born with type II primordial dwarfism, which causes skeletal abnormalities, and was 93 cm tall and weighed 20 kg.
He had been in and out of the hospital for the last month as his condition deteriorated and he died Monday morning.
He had a rare form of primordial dwarfism (pictured with American basketball player Michael Holyfield, who is 7-foot-11)
“I’m so sorry I couldn’t do more for you…” her heartbroken mother said on Facebook.
Hundreds have remembered Leo for his strength and determination in tributes posted online.
“I am heartbroken by the death of Leo,” said Patricia Palombo Grasso. ‘I can only imagine the pain the family is feeling.
‘Leo in one way or another has touched us over the years. He was a strong and determined little man who brought all the joy, tears and courage. We are all blessed to have known him.’
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of this brave little man Leo Lagana, who has endured many health problems in his short life,” added Libby Petrella.
Pauline Lagana pictured on the left with her son Leo on the right
Before his death, Leo’s mother spent countless hours trying to raise awareness about his condition after he was harassed on social media.
‘People come up to me and say: ‘What’s wrong with him?’ I don’t care at all. It is better that they ask, instead of standing there and watching.
“I think the world needs to be educated,” he said.
Lagana said she and her husband “hit the jackpot” with Leo and have enjoyed every day with him.
The schoolboy defied doctors since he was born weighing just 1.6 kilograms and 28 centimeters long.