Help Leo through Sarcoma Surgery and Recovery

Leonardo Cartes is an Oakland native, long-standing community member, musician, worker, father, and friend. You may know him as the guy who checked your ID at the Albatross Pub, maybe saw him riding his bike somewhere around Berkeley/Oakland, or shared space in one of his favorite coffee shops—not to mention a place once known as Beckett's. But many of us know Leo for much more than that: his insight, compassion, quick wit, and humor. His generosity, consistency, and genuine care. We've shared drinks, we've shared stages, work shifts, conversations, and friendship—we've shared life with Leo over the years. And at this fork in the road, he needs our support.

After an MRI in the fall of 2022, Leo was diagnosed with a sarcoma on his pelvis. His oncologist and surgeon have decided that left-side hip removal and replacement (scheduled early- to mid-February) is the most effective approach to remove the cancer. While Leo will not need chemotherapy as a result of this decision, the complicated surgery will keep him in the hospital for two weeks and on bed rest for the next six months. He will not be able to work, drive, or ride his bike throughout this time. Leo has been supporting himself through the gig economy since the shuttering of the Albatross and will not be able to provide an income for himself during recovery. All donations will go directly to Leo for rent, utilities, food, and necessary expenses.

Let's help Leo get situated within this life-changing circumstance so he can exit recovery well-rested, healthy, and cancer-free!