Young Leo with growth hormone deficiency finds inspiration in Lionel Messi's story

For six-year-old Leo Slattery, the story of Lionel Messi is more than just a bedtime tale; it's a source of inspiration. Like his famous namesake, Leo also lives with growth hormone deficiency, a condition where the pituitary gland produces insufficient growth hormone. His parents, Liam and Mia Slattery, discovered Leo's diagnosis when he was three.

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We used to read that story to our Leo. He got diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency when he was three.

"We used to read that story to our Leo. He got diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency when he was three," Liam Slattery told the ABC. "It was a positive story to put towards him that, 'hey, yeah, he's got the same thing as you'."

The Slatterys found the Australian medical system to be a lifeline. After initial concerns about Leo's growth, they navigated a path through GPs, pediatricians, and finally an endocrinologist. Despite initial doubts from a doctor about Leo's presentation, thorough testing led to the correct diagnosis.

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It was a positive story to put towards him that, 'hey, yeah, he's got the same thing as you'.

This experience contrasted sharply with stories Mia encountered in online support groups from the United States. "Hearing stories of where they have to fight tooth and nail with insurance companies and doctors to try and get their child diagnosed," Liam recounted. He noted that in the US, treatment costs can run into thousands of dollars if not covered by insurance, with one initial treatment costing $2,500. In Australia, however, Leo's treatment was covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), with the Slatterys paying only $60. "We paid $60 because it was covered under PBS. So yeah, very thankful that we do have that system in Australia," Liam said.

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Then once they reach towards the end of growth, they get reassessed to see if they are still deficient in growth hormone.

Treatment for growth hormone deficiency typically involves nightly injections of synthetic growth hormone until the end of puberty. Dr. Peter Simm, a pediatric endocrinologist at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, mentioned that a weekly dose is now also available. Patients are reassessed near the end of puberty to determine if adult treatment is necessary, as growth hormone has functions beyond just promoting growth.

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Hearing stories of where they have to fight tooth and nail with insurance companies and doctors to try and get their child diagnosed.