Don Ledesma’s Amputation GoFundMe

I am Don Ledesma's sister-in-law, Jacqui - Jamie is my older sister. Don had a lower extremity amputation yesterday. He has Type 2 Diabetes- a lifelong disease causing the body to be unable to produce insulin, which is used to regulate blood-glucose levels. Don having high levels of glucose circulating in his blood has led to circulatory system complications. On February 10th 2024: Don's left foot began throbbing with severe pain. Don had seen 3 different doctors in Helena, missing work, missing pool, missing family events, and has been unable to walk; none of these doctors that were sought out by Don were able to give any type of treatment, guidance, or pain relief for him. On February 19th, 2024, Don went to the ER, and within 30 minutes the On Call Doctor had him Missoula-bound via ambulance to a vascular surgeon. Last week be and Jamie with their children by his side, made the decision to have his left leg amputated below the knee- he underwent this unbelievably painful, extremely scary, and life altering procedure yesterday in Missoula MT.

Surgery went well and with no complications. Jamie updated family, friends, and workplaces that he was resting peacefully and voiced he had no pain.

However, that has changed. Don is in unbelievable, indescribable pain. He has a very long road ahead. He will go forward with a hospital stay up to 5 days; and then he will do rehabilitation as he, at 45 years old, learns to walk again, without a leg his mind believes is there, but his spirit and soul knows is gone.

Don has Family Medical Leave to utilize that will save his job for 6 weeks. Don on the other hand does not have any PTO or sick time to use to comfort him, and his family during this time.

Jamie is with Don in Missoula and will not be leaving his side until he is settled into the rehabilitation center. This has resulted in extreme financial burdens for them, the cost of fuel to-and-from Missoula alone, and not including food, drinks, lodging, and all other daily necessities. When medical emergencies happen to us as individuals and families, the other part of life continues to go on. This is the part we all dread anyways- the car payments, the utilities, the groceries, the insurance, the internet, the cell phones, the hobbies, and the other things like medical insurance, and medical bills, as they begin to pile up.

Don and Jamie also live in a house that is not handicapped accessible, and they will need equipment, and accommodations to meet his needs of limited mobility during this time, including shower equipment, and adjustable bed, grab bars, etc.

Anything will help Don and his wife Jamie at this time. Don is the kindest person; he will help anyone at any given time with any needs they have. He is always at the very least willing to make you smile, laugh, or want to punch him. If we can come together and help out a selfless individual who is someone's husband, dad, brother, friend and coworker, I know how much the generosity would mean to Don at this time. He has always lived his life more for what others need than what he needs, and right now: he needs us.