Nine-year-old Leonardo Ariel Salinas—known lovingly as Leo—is a joyful, spirited child who has faced more challenges than most kids his age. After losing his mother to cancer at a young age, Leo now lives with his father and younger sibling. His father works at a nearby site clearing debris and trash to make ends meet, often relying on the kindness of neighbors to help care for his children while he works long hours.

Leo was born with a severe congenital deformity in both feet, a condition so extreme that he was unable to wear shoes. Instead, he learned to walk barefoot—adapting in his own resilient way. Despite his physical limitations, Leo never let anything slow him down. He loved school, running around the house with his dog Lucas, and especially playing soccer with the other neighborhood kids—barefoot and beaming.

But while Leo’s spirit was strong, his feet continued to limit his mobility and comfort. His biggest dream was something many take for granted: to walk into school wearing a real pair of shoes. He once said with pride and hope, “I want my friends to see me wearing shoes.”

Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors supporting Fundación UMC de México, Leo’s life began to change.

After careful evaluation, he was approved for orthopedic surgery at the Emma Surgical Center. During the procedure, surgeons successfully lengthened the tendons in both of his feet and gently repositioned them—bringing his feet into proper alignment for the first time in his life.

But the healing journey didn’t stop there. Over the next three months, Leo underwent weekly cast changes to help reinforce the new positioning of his feet. Each week brought visible progress. Each visit meant he was one step closer to walking comfortably and confidently. And finally—after months of treatment and years of pain—Leo was able to put on shoes.

For Leo, it was more than just a pair of shoes. It was a symbol of freedom, confidence, and the chance to walk through life just like every other child. No more painful steps. No more isolation. Just possibility.

He is now enrolled in physical therapy to continue strengthening his legs and feet. For the first time, he runs without discomfort and plays soccer wearing cleats like the other kids. His eyes light up when he talks about school, and his bond with Lucas is as strong as ever.

All of this—every step Leo now takes in his new shoes—is possible because of the compassionate support from donors like you. Your contributions to Fundación UMC de México don’t just fund surgeries; they fulfill dreams, restore dignity, and rewrite the futures of children like Leo.

Leo’s story is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with kindness and purpose. He may have once been the boy who couldn’t wear shoes—but today, he’s the boy who runs, learns, and smiles freely… thanks to you.