Dear Friends of Leonard’s past

and new friends who have found us today.

My husband is Leonard Spade and my name is Sophia. I am writing to you this special update on Leonard’s behalf, and silently praying, every hour, for a few miracles, as we look ahead into the coming months of 2026. Gifted funds would help me to continue my caring for Leonard at home, instead of a nursing facility. A dear friend who could not donate, gifted us with a lovely video to help spread the word to others. https://gofund.me/e1a46956

His story is below and I added some updates about the discovery we made, about a drug that was given to Leonard for many years, that produced serious adverse decline and memory loss that presents as Alzheimer's. This added to the impact that Long Covid had on Leonard's health, which I shared about in Leonard's story. I’ve been doing everything I can to avoid a serious financial crisis, as we entered 2026. I'm reaching out, hoping that you might be able to help share our video and GoFundMe link. I'm praying that we will be able to raise enough funds to give me time to secure future income by the end of the year. I know the next 9 months is going to be my greatest challenge to accomplish this, while caregiving Leonard, 24/7. I am grateful to you for taking the time to read my short letter today, and if you have time, if you could share our link with others, we would be forever grateful.

To Leonard’s old and new Friends and community, I thank God every day that he came out of COVID intensive care alive, albeit, cognitively impacted. Thank you for taking the time to read Leonard’s story below and know that every contribution, small or large, is hugely meaningful. I will keep you updated on how Leonard is improving because of your help and support.

Sending love across the miles… Sophia and Leonard

Leonard's Story...

Many of you may remember Leonard as a bright, funny, interesting, and robust man. He was always ready to share his time and resources when he knew there was a need.

On December 6 of 2020, Leonard had a sudden medical event. He stopped eating, speaking and even responding. Paramedics took him to the ER. At first, doctors suspected he’d had a stroke, but tests showed that the symptoms were caused by COVID-19.

COVID-19 immediately affected his declining memory, speech, and physical balance. He remained in ICU isolation for three weeks. When he was discharged, he had regained some of his speech (enough to make jokes and keep the nurses laughing). But his speech was slurred, he had difficulty walking, and he’d lost his sense of balance.

“Long COVID” has further impaired Leonard’s brain, mind, and his everyday functioning. He is still suffering from severe memory loss; his balance is still compromised, adding to cognitive decline that we also recently discovered was due to a serious adverse drug reaction. As a result of his loss of balance, he’s fallen a couple of times which caused painful injuries and broken vertebrae.

It’s been over four years now (2025) since he got COVID-19. During this time, he has needed specialized care and special equipment. But Leonard is Leonard, and he works determinedly to regain his abilities. But it’s a long and painful process.

It will continue to cost between atleast $2000 a month for the next year at least, for the 24/7 caregiving and special rehabilitation he needs. We’ve exhausted our savings and now I’m reaching out for help.

Our initial goal is to raise $17,000, to help us cover these expenses for the first 6 to 8 months of 2026.. Our social security, unfortunately, isn't enough to cover the rehabilitation that Leonard truly needs. If we are blessed to raise a bit more than the $17,000, it will help us move into the remainder of 2026, for his care.

To Leonard’s Friends and community, I thank God every day that he came out of intensive care alive. Thank you for taking the time to read Leonard’s story and please know that every contribution, small or large, is truly meaningful and appreciated.

We send everyone our love from across the miles.

Leonard doing Tai Chi 1979