Tony Leonard Benefit
Donation protected
Tony Leonard is a co-worker and friend of mine and is confined to a wheelchair. He currently has limited mobility with his right arm and use of a prosthetic left arm with modified devices that we were able to create via a work related team improvement activity that was featured on a nationwide cbs news story (see link). https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-more-perfect-union-autoworkers-build-prosthetic-hand-for-coworker/
He has been struggling getting in and out of his current vehicle for a couple of years. Now the car has 340k miles and needs a new motor. We have decided to help him raise the money for a newer vehicle with a wheelchair ramp. Below is his story.
Tony was born on May 30, 1965 and where most kids growing up would typically start walking around 9 - 13 months, Tony did not. An abscess of the spine rendered him paralyzed from the waist down. By the age of two, after undergoing two surgeries; he was finally able to regain movement in his lower extremities. He learned to walk, run and was able to play sports into his high school years.
Tony worked various jobs including 12 years as a Mechanical Detailer in the printing industry. In 2005, Tony was hired on as a contract engineer in the design department of an automotive manufacturer.
In 2006, he started experiencing trouble walking therefore he began using a cane as a way of getting around as he slowly lost strength in his legs.
In 2012, another issue was occurring; he was diagnosed with Charcot of the left elbow which results in joint deterioration. This rare joint disorder from what we understand is only the 6th known case that has been reported.
As Tony was dealing with this obstacle, he then had surgery in Aug of 2013 to correct a problem that occurred when he was 2 years old, a problem known as a tethered lumbar. This attachment eventually causes an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord as he continues to grow. To relieve this stress his spine had to be repositioned into its right position to avoid any permanent damage that may occur in the future.
Then in 2014, he underwent several surgeries to try to help stabilize his arm in order to acquire mobility out of his wheelchair so he would have the capability of using some form of walking device (walker, crutches, etc). Since his legs are not strong enough to support himself, he will continue to use a wheelchair that was provided for him from his previous surgery back in 2013.
Jan of 2015 after numerous surgical attempts on his arm, a decision was made to have the arm amputated and in turn would prove to be a good decision for his health and being able to move forward with his life as this is his main objective.
Tony is an incredible person and amazing human being. His daily courage, positive attitude, and perseverance is an inspiration for us all.
He has been struggling getting in and out of his current vehicle for a couple of years. Now the car has 340k miles and needs a new motor. We have decided to help him raise the money for a newer vehicle with a wheelchair ramp. Below is his story.
Tony was born on May 30, 1965 and where most kids growing up would typically start walking around 9 - 13 months, Tony did not. An abscess of the spine rendered him paralyzed from the waist down. By the age of two, after undergoing two surgeries; he was finally able to regain movement in his lower extremities. He learned to walk, run and was able to play sports into his high school years.
Tony worked various jobs including 12 years as a Mechanical Detailer in the printing industry. In 2005, Tony was hired on as a contract engineer in the design department of an automotive manufacturer.
In 2006, he started experiencing trouble walking therefore he began using a cane as a way of getting around as he slowly lost strength in his legs.
In 2012, another issue was occurring; he was diagnosed with Charcot of the left elbow which results in joint deterioration. This rare joint disorder from what we understand is only the 6th known case that has been reported.
As Tony was dealing with this obstacle, he then had surgery in Aug of 2013 to correct a problem that occurred when he was 2 years old, a problem known as a tethered lumbar. This attachment eventually causes an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord as he continues to grow. To relieve this stress his spine had to be repositioned into its right position to avoid any permanent damage that may occur in the future.
Then in 2014, he underwent several surgeries to try to help stabilize his arm in order to acquire mobility out of his wheelchair so he would have the capability of using some form of walking device (walker, crutches, etc). Since his legs are not strong enough to support himself, he will continue to use a wheelchair that was provided for him from his previous surgery back in 2013.
Jan of 2015 after numerous surgical attempts on his arm, a decision was made to have the arm amputated and in turn would prove to be a good decision for his health and being able to move forward with his life as this is his main objective.
Tony is an incredible person and amazing human being. His daily courage, positive attitude, and perseverance is an inspiration for us all.
Organizer
Lester Bowers
Organizer
Wapakoneta, OH
