Support Linda Leonard after devastating assault

Hello, our names are Stephanie, Michelle, Amanda and Tammy. We are reaching out in hopes of helping our close friend Linda Leonard as she navigates life after a violent attack that turned her life upside.

 

On the night of March 16, 2022, Linda pulled into her driveway alone. Little did she know, the man who had been stalking her for months was hiding behind her house. He knew she would be home alone that night and his intent was to abduct her, take her life and then take his own. Before Linda could get out of her car, he came out of hiding and brutally assaulted her. For over 30 minutes, she was literally fighting for her life. A brave, young couple driving by stopped just in time. If the young man hadn't stopped and scared the attacker away, Linda would have lost her life that night.

 

After being rushed to the emergency room, doctors found Linda had many injuries. Her nose had been broken in several places, multiple deep cuts and hematomas on her face and scalp, road rash and deep bruising covering over half of her body, and a severely broken hand. It is truly a miracle that despite the severe trauma to her head and neck area, she did not have brain bleeding or worse. Linda had surgery on her hand and screws were placed. She will likely have another surgery in her future.

Despite doing all the right things available through the legal system, Linda became a domestic violence survivor. Over a year ago, Linda had briefly dated the man who attacked her. After cutting ties with him, his behavior became more erratic and dangerous. Linda suspected that he had installed a tracker on her car. After the attack, the tracker was found by police and removed. In the months leading up to the attack, there were multiple incidents that prompted Linda to involve the court system. She lived in fear waiting for him to be arrested but he made it clear he wasn't going without a fight.

 

Anyone who has spent time with Linda knows she is an incredibly strong, independent woman and is one of the hardest workers we know. She is a single mother to 3 awesome children and is very active in their lives. Linda works full time as a medical assistant and owns a very small rental house next door to her own home to supplement her income. The houses were in rough shape when she bought them 4 years ago. Linda has made major repairs to her small home over the past few years, doing most of the work on her own. She lives modestly and has made many sacrifices to be able to give her kids a safe home.

 

Days before the attack, Linda had started much needed, major repairs on her newly empty rental house. She adjusted her tight budget and made a plan for the house to be done in 6 months and ready for new renters. Her plans have now changed. Due to the attack, Linda now has had ongoing appointments with several different doctors. These appointments are essential to her recovery. However, it takes time away from her work on her rental house. Because she was unable to do the physical work on the house for so long, she is now over 2 months behind on her progress. She has resumed work on the repairs but due to her many injuries, at a much slower pace than her original timeline. If another surgery on her hand is needed, the work will have to be put on pause again.

 

We would like to thank everyone who has prayed for Linda or reached out with kind words and gestures during this incredibly traumatic time. As Linda's closest friends, we have witnessed first hand her strength and compassion despite her circumstances. Linda has a huge heart and has organized benefits and memorials for people in need in the past. She has touched many lives over the years. From horse show and 4H families to dirt bike racing families and so many more, she has a heart for helping. It is our turn to show her some of the love she has shown to others over the years.

 

If you feel inclined to donate, all donations will go towards extra expenses caused by this traumatic event that are not covered by other means. If you are unable to donate, please pray for Linda's peace and healing and share her story. Thank you for reading and for your support!