Amanda Goodinson, 22, was overwhelmed when, at 20 weeks, her unborn son Leo was diagnosed with hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the brain, which creates pressure inside the skull. This condition can lead to both physical and mental disabilities later in life.

Goodinson was unaware of the condition previously, but delved into research trying to find all the information she could on hydrocephalus.

Through her research she came across a support group for mothers whose children have the same condition. From the group she learned about a new treatment done out of Duke Hospital in North Carolina.

The treatment is a cord blood stem cell transfusion, which takes the regenerative and powerful stem cells in cord blood and infuses them back into the body in hopes of repairing some of those cells in the brain damaged by the pressure buildup.

The procedure alone, not including transportation and the stem cell extraction and storing, costs $11,000. This treatment is not a cure, but hopes to improve both physical and developmental growth in patients.

“The parents from the support group raved about this,” Goodinson said. “We came to this choice where we could just hope for the best or we could take action and do whatever it takes to see Leo has the best life he possibly can.”

Now Goodinson, along with her family and friends, are hosting a fundraiser, Laughs for Leo, with Funny4Funds on October 16. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $14,000 to the transfusion at Duke University and doesn’t include the immediate brain surgery Leo will have to go under after birth at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Goodinson said, “When you hear the success of this treatment it’s encouraging and there’s this spark of hope. I’m looking to my family friends and the community for support to give my son the best chance to get this treatment.”

She said it’s hard to admit you need help and then subsequently ask for it, but already the community has been very helpful.

Goodinson has lived her entire life in Warwick, always involved in the community, and tried to be a supporter of local businesses. Now, in her time of need she is seeing that support returned.

“It’s heartwarming to see so many people step up and help. Especially mom and pop shops, they have done so much to help us and it’s just this unspoken gratitude.”

As a soon-to-be first-time mother, Goodinson finds she is willing to do anything to see Leo has the best life he can and is happy to know her hometown supports her in that.

The Laughs for Leo fundraiser, featuring Funny4Funds, will be on Friday, October 16 at the Cranston Portuguese Club at 20 2nd Avenue, Cranston. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 8:30 p.m. A cash bar as well as snack bar will be available. Tables can be reserved for parties of 10. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased by contacting Goodinson at 464-0340 or artbyamandag@gmail.com.

Goodinson is also still looking for donations of goods and services to be raffled off at the event. They are also selling ad space in their event program. For more information or to donate, contact Goodinson at the above contact information or Amie Simas at 345-2194 or amiesimas@gmail.com.