Landon Hartz's Story

“He has this beautiful gift of accepting himself exactly how he is and striving for a life that is even better.”

Landon Hartz was diagnosed with cystinosis in 2011, at the age of 14 months. When we think back to the months and first couple of years following his diagnosis, it’s hard to believe that little baby is the same boy that we know and love today.

Landon is in the third grade now and attends our local elementary school in Pittsburgh, PA. Landon has transitioned from playing soccer to basketball, and he tried out and made the third grade team. He thinks and talks about basketball most of the time. He also enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and he is in the Bear Den of our local Cub Scout Pack. Video games are another love of his and he is determined to be a big star on YouTube someday, so stay tuned!

Landon continues to light up any room that he walks in, and he continues to charm just about anyone around him. He has this beautiful gift of accepting himself exactly how he is and striving for a life that is even better.

Our family is so grateful for the work of the CRF, the researchers, and study participants. Landon has commented several times about how brave the study participants are for what they are doing.

We continue to hold an annual Lots of Love for Landon Golf Outing and the Lots of Love for Landon Halloween party on a bi-annual basis. We believe in the mission of the CRF and we are so proud to partner with such a small and mighty group of people.

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