Let's Help Leo Regain Mobility

*Edit to update September 20th 2024*

Firstly we would like the thank everyone for their kind words, well wishes and generous donations!

We’re happy to update, Leos physical limitations are improving after a tremendously scary situation. Although during his stay in Edmonton he sadly endured an additional surgery due to complications yet he remains in high spirits. As we were lucky to have him in Prince George for a short time where it was healing for both him, his children and family. Now he has been excepted to and has travelled down to a great rehabilitation center where they project a year or so of hard work! Leo will need to learn how to readjust to his new settings as he will likely never regain full mobility in both his legs. Only partial mobility in his right leg. His gratitude for his family being able to be along his side during this difficult time has really shown. However Leo will have a long and hard road ahead of himself we look forward to cheering him on as we continue to support him the very best we can!

Once again, thank you for all your contributions and continued support during this difficult time.

On August 24th, 2024 Leo was stabbed in the back with a steak knife as he was eating breakfast in the breakroom of a work camp in Fort St. John BC. He immediately felt his legs give out and slid off the sitting bench. He was not able to feel his legs. He

was transported to the Fort St. John hospital.

As the medical team knew this situation was dire, they advised Leo to call his wife. His wife received the phone no one ever wants. A nurse advised Oliva of the severity of the situation. Leo did his best to explain the situation to her however he was in

shock and great pain. He was scared and unsure of what would happen when the knife was removed from his back. The medical team feared and knew once the knife was removed, Leo could possibly bleed to death.

After further examination it was determined the knife was lodged in his spinal cord. Leo was then rapidly transferred to the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton Alberta. He was swiftly taken into Spinal surgery to remove the knife. It took over 14

hours to remove the knife, as there was a high risk of death.

Leo’s wife, Oliva and their two young children received support from his employer to travel to Edmonton Alberta from Prince George British Columbia to be with him after the surgery. Needless to say, they were anxious, scared and unsettled. Leo was extremely

relieved to have his family with him.

When the knife was removed from his Spine, he regained some mobility in his right leg. Unfortunately, he did not regain any feeling in his left leg. Leo faces along road to recovery. Leo will be transported from Edmonton Alberta to the Rick Hansen Spinal

Cord Rehabilitation Centre in Vancouver British Columbia.

Leo has no family or friends in Vancouver. Leo was the main bread winner for his family. His family would like to aid in his recovery however they do not have the finances to pay for travel, a place to stay, and or food when away from home. We would like

to ask for support in assisting his family to stay and or travel to Vancouver as much as possible to aid in his recovery.

Thank you for taking the time to read Leo’s story. And thank you in advance for providing any support you can afford. A friend of the family Beverley.