This is the story of Leo, salesman extraordinaire and future zoologist.

Last spring, Leo Lazaropoulos and his fifth-grade classmates (who call Leo Dr. DooLittle for his love of animals and desire to be a zoologist) were asked to write an essay. The question was, "What would you do to make the world a better place?" Leo's answer was much like his peers' — he would like to sell all his things at a yard sale and give the money to charity.

But, Leo is not like his peers. He has Friedreich's Ataxia. Leo's desire to raise money to make the world a better place, gave him the fortitude to surge ahead and plan a yard sale that would provide, he hoped, a net gain of $500 for charity. Leo's mom, Kris, recognized the importance of the yard sale, noting that "Leo isn't going to have too many chances to win trophies. I wanted to give him challenges — not physical — and successes." She was sure this yard sale would make him feel pleased with himself and she was right.

The extraordinary efforts of Leo, his family and friends led to donations of over $4,000 to FARA to support scientific research.

For more information on how to organize a Charity Yard Sale, please contact FARA and we'll put you in touch with Leo's mom, Kris.