Teamwork makes the Dream work. Support Nikle-Leeds
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We are hoping to raise some money for the Leeds family. Jody is battling brain cancer. Please read some of there story below, as told by them through facebook posts. This family is so strong and would never ask for help. They deserve it though, lets help them out so they can live life to the fullest before he starts radiation. Thank you!
Kayla Leeds
February 24, 2018 · West Fargo, ND ·
Life took an unexpected turn yesterday morning. Jody was driving to Lake of the woods to go fishing and had a seizure while driving causing him to hit a sign and go in the ditch. He was unconscious when ambulance arrived and seizing. He was transported to Roseau hospital and then to Fargo. He had cat scan and MRI which revealed a very large tumor on the right side of his brain. He just went back into surgery for removal of the tumor, surgery is expected to last about 6 hours. Please do not forget life can change in a minute. Tell your loved ones you love them everyday and please pray for our family as we have a very long road ahead of us. He is the strongest man I know.
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
March 2, 2018 ·
One week already from receiving initial terrifying phone call. Which led to the unthinkable. When we first met with neurologist Friday night Jody was only given months to live. Then when into surgery the next day for removal of tumor which was successful. We are home now and he is doing well getting around home. (Already getting bored and asking for the fish house). Biopsy was sent to Mayo Clinic so we still await those results. Bryn was so excited to have daddy home.Pictures are before he went into surgery. There is nothing harder then trying to explain this to her. We truly had some amazing angels watching over him this day. He is strongest person I will ever know. We cannot thank the Sanford Medical Team enough and all the prayers, support and love you have all given. Thank you, thank you, thank you
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
March 9, 2018 ·
Update on Jody: This morning we met with the oncologist, we found out Jody has what’s called a diffuse astrocytoma grade 2. The total size of tumor that was removed was 5.2 cm. They are still in shock on how big this got with no big warning signs. Oncologist suggested chemo and radiation. When we met with the radiologist this afternoon he did some balance and movement tests. He believed this tumor had been in there several years. He suggested waiting and monitoring since this is a slow growing tumor. Jody’s case will be brought to the board meeting which consists of doctors, surgeons and specialist to review his best option to do. If they suggest chemo and radiation, chemo would be pill form and radiation would consist of 5 days a week for 6 weeks. We want to wait on radiation as long as possible due to his age and needing it later if the tumors grow back. The side effects of radiation are harsh on the body. He will be closely monitored until decision is made. Thank you for all your support
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
March 28, 2018 ·
Today we had appointments all day at Mayo to say it was hard day would be understatement. He started the day early with an MRI. We met with neurologist, oncology and ended with the neurosurgeon. Decision has been made to have another surgery to remove more of the tumor. Surgeon stated today it can never be “fully” removed as it has grown into the brain. We decided to operate again as this was the best option and outcome for him. His type is not curable and tumor that is left could be grade 3 which was hard to hear. Surgery will be done in a couple weeks. Thank you all again so much for the outpouring of support in every way.
Jody Leeds
is with
Kayla Leeds
.
May 14, 2018 ·
Well just a little update for everyone I did have a second surgery on my brain although we got great news to just wait and have an mri in 3 months and hope it has not grown back and hopefully it stays away for awhile so I can get back to life this second surgery has been way more difficult than the first it’s slower to heal I’m really tired dizzy constant ringing in my ears, headaches, can’t sleep, no energy, lots of other side effects as well not only that but it’s taking a toll on my family yeah they are there and very supportive but at the same time sometimes I don’t have the energy to even get out of the chair to help out to say this is tough is an understatement this time every day I’m getting better but there is still a very long road a head of me..and it’s frustrating for sure I feel my independence and desires are not there right now and I am beyond frustrated with everything right now..any way I am very grateful for the outcome but life is really a struggle for me right now..thanks for the support
Kayla Leeds
.
February 24, 2019 ·
Cannot believe it has been a year already since your accident. We went from hearing you only had a couple months to live, to two successful brain surgeries. We thank our Sanford team, and most importantly our team at Mayo who went in the second time to remove most of the tumor. This year has been whirlwind and we thank everyone who has helped us over the year as we would not be able to get through this without you all. He still faces many challenges but we are so thankful he is here. We will continue to doctor at Mayo (even if there annoyed with all my questions/phone calls)
We will get through our next hurdles and live life to the fullest Remeber life can change in a second, hug your loved ones and be kind to one another as we never know what anyone is battling
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
August 16, 2019 ·
Update on Jody.
While returning home from a great day in Duluth we were about 2 miles from our cabin when Jody was driving and went into a grand mal seizure. I was in the front sit and his mom and Bryn in the back seat. Jodys mom took over the wheel and I took over his feet to get them off the gas pedal. We successfully got the truck pulled over without anyone getting hurt. He seized for a very long time. He was transported by ambulance to Hibbing hospital. His test results were sent to our mayo team and we are waiting to hear our next steps. While we are very shook up and a little sore everyone is okay. Remember to hug your loved ones tight as we never know from day to day. #jodystrong
Jody Leeds
February 20 ·
Well another seizure today luckily I was at home and thank you to my wife Kayla Leeds
for having the instinct to check our house cameras to witness it..this is the first one I can some what remember and man it scared the hell out of me..hopefully the dr will adjust my meds a bit..I’m fine just a little sore and tired let’s hope this is it for a while someone just doesn’t want me fishing on my birthday feb 23 3 years ago is when I crashed up near Warroad and found out I had brain cancer. You just never know from one day to the next what’s going to happen
Kayla Leeds
- with
Jody Leeds
.
April 27 ·
Cannot believe it has been two years since his second surgery, seems like just yesterday. The past two years have definitely been hard and life changing. Jody was only given months to live and we are now at the two year mark Many tears have been shed and sleepless nights as we try to navigate through this journey. He has not been able to drive for 8 months, which is hard on everyone. He has his good and bad days but is still a good cook There is nothing harder than being a caregiver and watching someone struggle. We take for granted everyday what comes easy to us and to watch him struggle at little projects is heartbreaking and frustrating. We are still trying to figure out the seizures. We are thankful for Telehealth so we can continue to be contact with his doctors during this pandemic. Hope everyone is staying safe
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
May 8 ·
Jody had another seizure last weekend. Which lead to the urgent MRI yesterday. Nothing was harder than having to drop him off at the entrance yesterday and not being able to go in to help him. We had a visit via zoom with our doctor at Mayo for the results. There is suspicious spot of regrowth again, at this time we will rescan again in a couple of months then look into chemo and radiation. Bryn is having a very hard time as she was right next to him when he began to seize, if you have never seen one before they are terrifying. We will continue to take one day at time and hope the increase in medication will put the seizures under control. Thank you all for the continued support #jodystrong
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
3d ·
Well it wasn’t the news we were hoping for but kind of expected. The tumor has grown again, we have decided to wait on treatment again and re-scan again in a few months. The brain is fragile and radiation is harsh so we want to do it at the right time. We are waiting on a few more tests and continue to live life to the fullest. #jodystrong
Kayla Leeds
February 24, 2018 · West Fargo, ND ·
Life took an unexpected turn yesterday morning. Jody was driving to Lake of the woods to go fishing and had a seizure while driving causing him to hit a sign and go in the ditch. He was unconscious when ambulance arrived and seizing. He was transported to Roseau hospital and then to Fargo. He had cat scan and MRI which revealed a very large tumor on the right side of his brain. He just went back into surgery for removal of the tumor, surgery is expected to last about 6 hours. Please do not forget life can change in a minute. Tell your loved ones you love them everyday and please pray for our family as we have a very long road ahead of us. He is the strongest man I know.
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
March 2, 2018 ·
One week already from receiving initial terrifying phone call. Which led to the unthinkable. When we first met with neurologist Friday night Jody was only given months to live. Then when into surgery the next day for removal of tumor which was successful. We are home now and he is doing well getting around home. (Already getting bored and asking for the fish house). Biopsy was sent to Mayo Clinic so we still await those results. Bryn was so excited to have daddy home.Pictures are before he went into surgery. There is nothing harder then trying to explain this to her. We truly had some amazing angels watching over him this day. He is strongest person I will ever know. We cannot thank the Sanford Medical Team enough and all the prayers, support and love you have all given. Thank you, thank you, thank you
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
March 9, 2018 ·
Update on Jody: This morning we met with the oncologist, we found out Jody has what’s called a diffuse astrocytoma grade 2. The total size of tumor that was removed was 5.2 cm. They are still in shock on how big this got with no big warning signs. Oncologist suggested chemo and radiation. When we met with the radiologist this afternoon he did some balance and movement tests. He believed this tumor had been in there several years. He suggested waiting and monitoring since this is a slow growing tumor. Jody’s case will be brought to the board meeting which consists of doctors, surgeons and specialist to review his best option to do. If they suggest chemo and radiation, chemo would be pill form and radiation would consist of 5 days a week for 6 weeks. We want to wait on radiation as long as possible due to his age and needing it later if the tumors grow back. The side effects of radiation are harsh on the body. He will be closely monitored until decision is made. Thank you for all your support
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
March 28, 2018 ·
Today we had appointments all day at Mayo to say it was hard day would be understatement. He started the day early with an MRI. We met with neurologist, oncology and ended with the neurosurgeon. Decision has been made to have another surgery to remove more of the tumor. Surgeon stated today it can never be “fully” removed as it has grown into the brain. We decided to operate again as this was the best option and outcome for him. His type is not curable and tumor that is left could be grade 3 which was hard to hear. Surgery will be done in a couple weeks. Thank you all again so much for the outpouring of support in every way.
Jody Leeds
is with
Kayla Leeds
.
May 14, 2018 ·
Well just a little update for everyone I did have a second surgery on my brain although we got great news to just wait and have an mri in 3 months and hope it has not grown back and hopefully it stays away for awhile so I can get back to life this second surgery has been way more difficult than the first it’s slower to heal I’m really tired dizzy constant ringing in my ears, headaches, can’t sleep, no energy, lots of other side effects as well not only that but it’s taking a toll on my family yeah they are there and very supportive but at the same time sometimes I don’t have the energy to even get out of the chair to help out to say this is tough is an understatement this time every day I’m getting better but there is still a very long road a head of me..and it’s frustrating for sure I feel my independence and desires are not there right now and I am beyond frustrated with everything right now..any way I am very grateful for the outcome but life is really a struggle for me right now..thanks for the support
Kayla Leeds
.
February 24, 2019 ·
Cannot believe it has been a year already since your accident. We went from hearing you only had a couple months to live, to two successful brain surgeries. We thank our Sanford team, and most importantly our team at Mayo who went in the second time to remove most of the tumor. This year has been whirlwind and we thank everyone who has helped us over the year as we would not be able to get through this without you all. He still faces many challenges but we are so thankful he is here. We will continue to doctor at Mayo (even if there annoyed with all my questions/phone calls)
We will get through our next hurdles and live life to the fullest Remeber life can change in a second, hug your loved ones and be kind to one another as we never know what anyone is battling
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
August 16, 2019 ·
Update on Jody.
While returning home from a great day in Duluth we were about 2 miles from our cabin when Jody was driving and went into a grand mal seizure. I was in the front sit and his mom and Bryn in the back seat. Jodys mom took over the wheel and I took over his feet to get them off the gas pedal. We successfully got the truck pulled over without anyone getting hurt. He seized for a very long time. He was transported by ambulance to Hibbing hospital. His test results were sent to our mayo team and we are waiting to hear our next steps. While we are very shook up and a little sore everyone is okay. Remember to hug your loved ones tight as we never know from day to day. #jodystrong
Jody Leeds
February 20 ·
Well another seizure today luckily I was at home and thank you to my wife Kayla Leeds
for having the instinct to check our house cameras to witness it..this is the first one I can some what remember and man it scared the hell out of me..hopefully the dr will adjust my meds a bit..I’m fine just a little sore and tired let’s hope this is it for a while someone just doesn’t want me fishing on my birthday feb 23 3 years ago is when I crashed up near Warroad and found out I had brain cancer. You just never know from one day to the next what’s going to happen
Kayla Leeds
- with
Jody Leeds
.
April 27 ·
Cannot believe it has been two years since his second surgery, seems like just yesterday. The past two years have definitely been hard and life changing. Jody was only given months to live and we are now at the two year mark Many tears have been shed and sleepless nights as we try to navigate through this journey. He has not been able to drive for 8 months, which is hard on everyone. He has his good and bad days but is still a good cook There is nothing harder than being a caregiver and watching someone struggle. We take for granted everyday what comes easy to us and to watch him struggle at little projects is heartbreaking and frustrating. We are still trying to figure out the seizures. We are thankful for Telehealth so we can continue to be contact with his doctors during this pandemic. Hope everyone is staying safe
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
May 8 ·
Jody had another seizure last weekend. Which lead to the urgent MRI yesterday. Nothing was harder than having to drop him off at the entrance yesterday and not being able to go in to help him. We had a visit via zoom with our doctor at Mayo for the results. There is suspicious spot of regrowth again, at this time we will rescan again in a couple of months then look into chemo and radiation. Bryn is having a very hard time as she was right next to him when he began to seize, if you have never seen one before they are terrifying. We will continue to take one day at time and hope the increase in medication will put the seizures under control. Thank you all for the continued support #jodystrong
Kayla Leeds
is with
Jody Leeds
.
3d ·
Well it wasn’t the news we were hoping for but kind of expected. The tumor has grown again, we have decided to wait on treatment again and re-scan again in a few months. The brain is fragile and radiation is harsh so we want to do it at the right time. We are waiting on a few more tests and continue to live life to the fullest. #jodystrong
Co-organizers (3)
Jeremy Johnson
Organizer
East Grand Forks, MN
Kayla Leeds
Beneficiary
Matthew Halverson
Co-organizer