Support system: SouthFlorida.com

Kids help each other through their medical challenges

Esteban Parra and Leigh Lampart dispense big doses of TLC and inspiration daily at their school health clinic, especially to each other.
Both are viewed as symbols of courage at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston. Esteban, 10, insulin dependent with diabetes, and Leigh, 9, who has a brain tumor, handle their medical challenges with exceptional maturity as they support and cheer each other up, and help make sure the other follows doctors' orders.
"They have become inextricably linked due to circumstances that, though different, have reinforced the bond between them," said Leigh's mother, Laure-Ann Lampart, of Weston. "They are both there for each other on good and bad days alike."
Evelyn Destin, nurse at the clinic also known as the "ER," says Esteban helps Leigh "as if he were her personal assistant," the person that Leigh "looks to as a school friend and brother." He is by her side in the clinic when she needs extra rest. They walk to fourth-grade class together, and he sometimes carries her books.
Destin says neither student complains or uses health issues as an excuse to get out of work or deter them from accomplishing a goal. The two Weston students, and their families, credit their faith for helping them all get through each day and keep a positive attitude.
Esteban says he feels good around Leigh "because I know that I'll never meet a girl with such high hopes and with that beautiful smile." Among other things, Leigh says Esteban "is always encouraging" her to eat and drink lots of water because of her medicine when she doesn't want to. She likewise reminds Esteban, her "wonderful friend," to drink water and snack appropriately.
"I know that she's going to reach her dreams someday as I hope I do too," Esteban says.