Loving Leanne: Living with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

Leanne never married, never had children and never lived on her own. She never drove a car or caught a bus unaided. She never cooked a meal, washed her clothes or ironed a shirt. She could not because she was born with a condition called Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS). This rare genetic disorder causes mental and physical disabilities and she was always dependent on others. In spite of this, her life was and continues to be an inspiration to many. Leanne's life story is told by her mother and sister and they examine the highs and lows of caring for a mentally and physically disabled person. The book is divided into seven chapters which look at Leanne's early days, how Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome affects her, her schooling, her extensive medical history, her spiritual and social life, and the ongoing process of caring for her daily. It also includes a list of RTS characteristics and problems and explains how these play out in daily life. The final chapter details Leanne's last days and how she died with dignity knowing that she was going to heaven. Covering the entire 47 years of Leanne's life, this book is a story of hope and triumph with a healthy dose of reality mixed into it. An ideal read for anyone who is caregiver to a disabled person or for parents who have a child with RTS.