Friends of Leo the Lion
Donation protected
THE HEART OF A LION
Leo the Lion (Camarillo) is an accomplished professional rodeo cowboy, roping instructor, and mentor. He is most recognized for revolutionizing todays method of heeling cattle. He is a four time PRCA World Champion Team Roper, PRCA All Around Champion, and holds the record for most averages won at the NFR — six total. He is also a rodeo historian, mostly through his life long, first hand experience. There are few game changers he doesn’t personally remember, few records he can’t quote. Though his memory may fail him in some areas, his rodeo mind is sharp as a tack, as are his skills.
It’s been said, “Don’t ask Leo a question, if you’re not ready to hear the truth.” His no-nonsense approach to everything, including expressing reality, has not always made him the most liked guy in the group, but it has always gained him respect. His frank honesty and determination to be his best, and see others be their best, is what he’s all about. Those who have competed with Leo, and/or really know him, understand he feels, acts, and speaks from his heart.
The Lion’s heart took a hit on November 26, 2019. Leo was on the tail end of a two month bout with viral bronchitis, when suddenly the familiar congested feeling in his chest started to increase. It quickly turned into sharp pain and his chest felt like it was caving in. He also suddenly felt excruciating pain in his left collar bone, which he attributed to an old buck off injury reacting to the cold weather. Along with nausea and a hot/cold clammy feeling, he noticed a weird taste in his mouth. All he wanted to do was lie down and rest, but the need to provide for his family, fueled by the perseverance in his champion heart, led him back to work on the construction site. Trying to walk off the pain, he started to feel a sensation of paralyzation on his upper left side. Realizing he was doing no good for anyone at work, he decided to go home for some rest.
Feeling like he’d been hit by a big rig, Leo climbed into his own big rig and drove an hour to his home. When he crawled down out of his truck he was met by his wife, Sue, who asked why he was home so early. “I need to lie down and have you rub some Vick's Vapo Rub on my chest and Arnica Gel on my collar bone." Luckily, Sue recognized the signs of a heart attack, immediately loaded him back up into the rig and rushed him to the emergency room in Chandler, Arizona — another hours drive. They credit their guardian angels for getting them there without incident.
The staff at Chandler Regional Medical Center took him right in and went to work. He was indeed having a heart attack. They quickly learned a stent was not an option and a five vessel bypass became the plan — just like that! There was no time to get ready, no time to prepare, and no time to bargain. Leo backed into the box, and gave a nod. Trusting he was in the hands of a skilled medical team, and the man upstairs, he realistically reminded himself, “If this is my draw, if it’s my time to go, then so be it.”
The surgery was a success. It took about 5 hours, with the first 24 hours of recovery being the worst. In the succeeding days, things have gradually improved, but at a snail’s pace. The tubes, the monitors, the setbacks, the helpless feelings floating in and out are all par for the course, but the questions and concerns of his life from here are monumental. Will Medicare cover all his medical costs? How will he provide for his family now?
Many friends of Leo’s have asked, “How can we help?” Though Leo does have Medicare, the insurance doesn’t cover everything. He will have considerable medical debts in the end. The next three months of healing will be a tough struggle for the cowboy, especially in terms of income. Aside from keeping up with rehab and follow up appointments, he is restricted from work for at least three months. That means no paycheck.
Leo has two children still in high school. They live far from town, yet as all country kids do, they manage. The kids have stepped up their duties in ranch chores and household chores, to keep the boat afloat, while their mom is at the hospital with their dad. Still, the situation is undeniably stressful.
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble
On behalf of the Camarillo family, thank you so much for all the kind thoughts and prayers that have come Leo’s way. Absolutely, prayers are the best aid, but for those who desire to be a financial aid/angel to Leo and his family, your generosity is gratefully appreciated. Your kind contribution of any amount will go towards relieving some of his medical debts and providing for his family in these next few months. Thank you again for all the well wishes and loving phone calls and text messages. They have put a steady beat in the Lion’s heart. God Bless all who read this, and Happy Holidays.
Leo the Lion (Camarillo) is an accomplished professional rodeo cowboy, roping instructor, and mentor. He is most recognized for revolutionizing todays method of heeling cattle. He is a four time PRCA World Champion Team Roper, PRCA All Around Champion, and holds the record for most averages won at the NFR — six total. He is also a rodeo historian, mostly through his life long, first hand experience. There are few game changers he doesn’t personally remember, few records he can’t quote. Though his memory may fail him in some areas, his rodeo mind is sharp as a tack, as are his skills.
It’s been said, “Don’t ask Leo a question, if you’re not ready to hear the truth.” His no-nonsense approach to everything, including expressing reality, has not always made him the most liked guy in the group, but it has always gained him respect. His frank honesty and determination to be his best, and see others be their best, is what he’s all about. Those who have competed with Leo, and/or really know him, understand he feels, acts, and speaks from his heart.
The Lion’s heart took a hit on November 26, 2019. Leo was on the tail end of a two month bout with viral bronchitis, when suddenly the familiar congested feeling in his chest started to increase. It quickly turned into sharp pain and his chest felt like it was caving in. He also suddenly felt excruciating pain in his left collar bone, which he attributed to an old buck off injury reacting to the cold weather. Along with nausea and a hot/cold clammy feeling, he noticed a weird taste in his mouth. All he wanted to do was lie down and rest, but the need to provide for his family, fueled by the perseverance in his champion heart, led him back to work on the construction site. Trying to walk off the pain, he started to feel a sensation of paralyzation on his upper left side. Realizing he was doing no good for anyone at work, he decided to go home for some rest.
Feeling like he’d been hit by a big rig, Leo climbed into his own big rig and drove an hour to his home. When he crawled down out of his truck he was met by his wife, Sue, who asked why he was home so early. “I need to lie down and have you rub some Vick's Vapo Rub on my chest and Arnica Gel on my collar bone." Luckily, Sue recognized the signs of a heart attack, immediately loaded him back up into the rig and rushed him to the emergency room in Chandler, Arizona — another hours drive. They credit their guardian angels for getting them there without incident.
The staff at Chandler Regional Medical Center took him right in and went to work. He was indeed having a heart attack. They quickly learned a stent was not an option and a five vessel bypass became the plan — just like that! There was no time to get ready, no time to prepare, and no time to bargain. Leo backed into the box, and gave a nod. Trusting he was in the hands of a skilled medical team, and the man upstairs, he realistically reminded himself, “If this is my draw, if it’s my time to go, then so be it.”
The surgery was a success. It took about 5 hours, with the first 24 hours of recovery being the worst. In the succeeding days, things have gradually improved, but at a snail’s pace. The tubes, the monitors, the setbacks, the helpless feelings floating in and out are all par for the course, but the questions and concerns of his life from here are monumental. Will Medicare cover all his medical costs? How will he provide for his family now?
Many friends of Leo’s have asked, “How can we help?” Though Leo does have Medicare, the insurance doesn’t cover everything. He will have considerable medical debts in the end. The next three months of healing will be a tough struggle for the cowboy, especially in terms of income. Aside from keeping up with rehab and follow up appointments, he is restricted from work for at least three months. That means no paycheck.
Leo has two children still in high school. They live far from town, yet as all country kids do, they manage. The kids have stepped up their duties in ranch chores and household chores, to keep the boat afloat, while their mom is at the hospital with their dad. Still, the situation is undeniably stressful.
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble
On behalf of the Camarillo family, thank you so much for all the kind thoughts and prayers that have come Leo’s way. Absolutely, prayers are the best aid, but for those who desire to be a financial aid/angel to Leo and his family, your generosity is gratefully appreciated. Your kind contribution of any amount will go towards relieving some of his medical debts and providing for his family in these next few months. Thank you again for all the well wishes and loving phone calls and text messages. They have put a steady beat in the Lion’s heart. God Bless all who read this, and Happy Holidays.
Organizer and beneficiary
Christie Camarillo
Organizer
Maricopa, AZ
Sue Camarillo
Beneficiary
