A teen’s cancer fight has come to an end just days after community members granted his wish to meet Grammy-winning Atlanta rapper Ludacris.
16-year-old Leeland Harris was battling osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. However, his family said he never let cancer define him. He was described as a musician, producer, and a teen who spent countless hours teaching himself to play piano and create beats. After his spread across Atlanta, his wish to meet musical artists he admired came true. Leeland got the chance to meet Ludacris backstage at his concert in Piedmont Park, Young Dro spent time with him, Sean Paul visited his home, and dozens of people lined the street with exotic cars, showering him with love. A week before his death, Make-A-Wish Georgia also surprised him with a music studio in his home. His family says they never stopped fighting for him even as they searched for one more opinion and one more chance. The family hopes his story will inspire young people to dream big and remind others of the difference a community can make when it comes together.
For 25 years, his foundation has been changing lives through hospital visits, community events, and direct support to families in need. He’s donated $100,000 to ChildServe, $50,000 to the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, and raised over $100,000 for relief efforts in the Bahamas. His LUDACARES program brings hope to underserved youth and families across the nation, proving that real wealth means using your platform to lift others up.