Help Support Leandro's Cancer Journey

My husband Leandro Soto, known to many as “Soto”, “Maestroji”, and “Teacher”, is a dear friend, guide and teacher to artists and spiritual aspirants around the world. Those who know Leandro, know him to be a kind and gentle human being who is always willing to share his wisdom, and creative inspiration.

 

 

Those who know him, know he is an artist in every sense of the word. His paintings are transformative on many levels, and this is true of his theatrical and performance works as well. He has healed and touched many lives through his work, especially the many artists he helped to groom and develop in Tabasco, Mexico, and the universities he taught at in the US and Barbados.

 

Now our dear Leandro is battling cancer. In November 2020, Leandro thought he had strained his lower back from lifting some heavy buckets, however, the pain escalated, and it was thought to be sciatica. In March 2021, he lost the ability to walk and an MRI and other tests revealed that he had advanced prostate cancer. I leapt into action and found the best oncologist availble, and immediately started treatment. For most of 2021 the treatments seemed to been working and he was progressing well.

 

However, just over a month ago our oncologist told him that his body was no longer reacting to the treatments and he needed to be put on a different type of medication which costs US$4500 per month in Mexico. We determined that it was best to return to the US where we have medical insurance, and reduce medical costs significantly.

 

We started the process to move, but things took a turn for the worse on Sunday, March 12th–1 day before Leandro’s 66th birthday. He has been hospitalized since then with water in his lungs, a blood clot on his kidney which has to be removed as soon as possible, and significantly reduced hemoglobin levels.

 

This makes travel to the US all but impossible at the moment, except by the possibility of an air ambulance. In addition to the fact that Leandro and I are both retired, and this sudden illness and medical expenses have drained our financial resources significantly. The funds you donate will be used towards our immediate medical expenses in Mexico, help with transportation to the US, and assist Leandro's continued cancer treatment.

 

Thank you for your contribution, which is greatly appreciated by all who know Leandro as a friend and mentor, and especially by Leandro and I.

 

 

You can also directly support Leandro's cancer journey by purchasing his artwork: https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/leandro-soto

 

Love and Deepest Gratitude,

Grisel and the Barbados Fourth Way Family