News Coverage on Leo's Situation:

Link: KRQE News 13

Link: KOB 4 Eyewitness News

Link: The Santa Fe New Mexican

Link: KOAT Action News 7

Hello everyone, this is Sara Maes. My dad, Leo, was on a family vacation in Rome this week along with my mother (Barbara) sister (Alex), brother-in-law (James), niece (Aria) and godparents (Ernie and Cathy). It was Leo’s first time traveling to Europe, a once in a lifetime experience, and something the family had spent months preparing for. On Saturday, the family went to visit the Vatican. Leo hadn't been feeling very well but everyone thought it was just fatigue from the flight and adjusting to the food/not eating well. Inside the Vatican, while walking in a group tour, he fainted, fell forward head first and his neck snapped, resulting in a severe spinal cord injury. He is currently in the San Camillo Hospital in Rome, where he had a major surgery on Monday and tested positive for COVID. He is in critical condition and may need another procedure to help him breathe independently. The function of his limbs has yet to be determined. The doctors caring for him are advising that he be transferred to an ICU in the United States via an air ambulance equipped with a ventilator as soon as possible in order for him to get the proper care.

Time is of the essence and we are doing everything we can to get Leo home. The medical evacuation that requires this type of air ambulance costs $150,000 and must be paid in full before transport (his insurance will not cover any part of it and we've exhausted all other options). His medical bills are projected to have already exceeded $500,000. As we face this challenging journey, we are asking for your support to help cover these mounting expenses and ensure that our father, husband, abueleo and favorite drummer, Leo, can come home safely and receive the care he needs.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in Leo’s path to recovery. Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time.