Help Don Leverington Heal

Hello everyone! As some of you may be aware, Donald's journey through hospitals began on December 9th, prompted by his son's desperate call to 911 when Donald displayed alarming stroke symptoms. Enduring three agonizing days in the hospital, Donald returned home still plagued by illness. A short two weeks later, he found himself confined to the ICU a 2nd time, battling severe sepsis. Despite the tireless efforts of his medical team, the source of his sepsis remained elusive for over a week, suspected to stem from enteritis. To compound his suffering, Donald received the devastating news of a recent diagnosis of congestive heart failure, a cruel irony considering his prior consultation with a cardiologist in 2023. Donald was released from care on January 28th, although still feeling unwell.

On February 10th, Donald was enjoying a meal with his family in Mesquite when tragedy struck—he collapsed. After being air flighted to St. George, he underwent the insertion of a pacemaker. However, his ordeal was far from over. Complications arose as his lungs began to fill with fluid, and his heart problems persisted. Despite his valiant struggle, he faced yet another harrowing ordeal—a sudden emergency requiring a complete open-heart surgery to replace his aortic valve on 2/17. Presently, Donald's cardiac specialists uncovered the heartbreaking truth: he had been silently battling endocarditis, along with another infection in the stem of his heart. Donald has lost over 35 lbs in the last 2.5 months, and has a very long road ahead of him to regain his strength.

For numerous years, Donald has shouldered the responsibility of providing for his family, working tirelessly as a self-employed plumber throughout his entire life. Over the past two decades, he has forged meaningful friendships while diligently serving Iron County and its surrounding areas. Despite his earnest efforts, Donald has been unable to earn a living for the past 2.5 months, and the prospect of another 8-12 months without work looms ahead as he struggles to heal. Those who know Donald understand his selflessness—he'd give the shirt off his back to aid others. He's been a pillar of support, a beloved "bonus dad," and a cherished "bonus Poppa" to many. Donald's pride prevents him from seeking “charity”, but the reality of his situation demands assistance. It's hard to prepare for the financial onslaught of three ICU stays and multiple heart surgeries at the age of 69. People inquire how they can lend a hand or how they can help, and setting up this fundraiser seems the most fitting way to aid Barbara and Donald during this trying time, and we deeply appreciate any form of support you can offer, and it touches us profoundly from the depths of our hearts.