My name is Patty Jo (Thurman) Bumbarger. I am raising funds for my high school classmate and good friend Leon Rayevich and his family to help pay for his lung transplant surgery and the economic hardship it will cause. Please consider donating to this remarkable man and his wonderful family. Here is Leon's story, which explains why I am requesting donations for him and his family:

Leon grew up in the small town of Bridge, Oregon, graduating from Myrtle Point High School in 1977. He also married his high school sweetheart (Margie) and joined the Air Force that same year. Leon retired from the Air Force in 1998 after 20 years of active duty. Margie & Leon have been happily married for 45 years. They share three children and ten grandkids and currently partner-raise three children ages 11, 9 and 7 in their home. They live in Prineville, Oregon, where Leon began working for Les Schwab in 1999.

In 2018, Leon was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal illness that causes scarring in the air sacs of the lungs. The diagnosis was shocking, as he is a non-smoker and is exceptionally healthy. Toxic chemicals such as airplane fuel and many other things can cause this condition. Because Leon worked in aircraft maintenance in the Air Force for 20 years, this makes sense. Unfortunately, the only treatment for his condition is a lung transplant. The family has been working on getting Leon on the transplant list for the past eight months. With every test, poke and prod, you can imagine how difficult this journey has been so far. However, as of 10/23/22, HE IS OFFICIALLY ON THE LIST!! The original diagnosis was devastating, but now there is hope.

Leon will be required to live in Seattle while he waits for the transplant. Unfortunately, he cannot continue working but hopes to return after he regains his strength. Maintaining two households without a steady income is costly, along with his medical bills and the family's living expenses.

Leon is always there to help anyone in need and is kind and giving; his family is number one to him. The family appreciates the time you took to read this and requests your prayers and good vibes into the universe.

Patty Jo