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Tough times

  • Marias Funeral

      6 September 2024

    Maria Packe Leonard was very special to us all.

    We are in the process of organising her funeral and need approximate numbers for catering and venue hire so here's a link to a google form to share and complete:

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV90uNkGLPRoAcSU_fWrZRRTZNNmrx5l1wbD_3JT7osEWk2w/viewform

    We can't fix a date at this stage as it depends on John Patrick Leonards recovery.

    We understand that makes it difficult to commit but even if you think you might attend please complete the form.

    Spread the word on social media and wherever you think people who would like to attend will see it. 😀

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  • Update 27 August

      27 August 2024

    Well John Leonard is a fighter alright, he as come back from very close to death on several occasions.

    Currently he is still in ICU so still very sick but is on the mend.

    We have to limit the visitors so he can rest but he can read your kind words of support on his phone.

    Thanks to everyone for your continued support and kindness.

    We are moving to another phase for Maria Packe Leonard's funeral arrangements and will keep everyone informed once we have more detail.

    The givealittle donations have been much appreciated along with your kind words. John will not be able to work for a while while he gets stronger. Jed Leonard and Samuel Leonard appreciate you all.

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  • Update 21 August

      21 August 2024

    John Patrick Leonard is back in Wellington hospital and recovering fast daily. He had his first shower yesterday and a full shave head and face. He had two fantastic nurses with him yesterday these ladies are superstars.

    John has fought through the toughest fight of his life to be back with his boys and you all have helped with your support and kind words.

    We know and feel your support and will keep sharing your messages with John.

    John is on limited visitors just to enable him to rest when needed.

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  • Update 18 August

      18 August 2024

    John Patrick Leonard has improved again today and is able to communicate fully with us using a letter board and lip reading. He was off the ventilator today.

    The doctors have started talking about him going back to Wellington. He's certainly one hell of a fighter.

    The boys were pleased to visit Maria Packe Leonard at the funeral home yesterday. John had a few tears today for Maria. We had some tears as well.

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  • Update 13 August

      13 August 2024

    John is responsive and can communicate by nodding or shaking his head, he can shrug his shoulders and raise his eyebrows. He smiled and winked at the boys yesterday and squeezed their hands which was nice.

    While he's still mildly sedated he doesn't remember much about getting sick. But he does remember people and things like who was competing in the surfing at the Olympics.

    He's still in critical condition - still on dialysis to filter his blood and the ECMO machine to oxygenate his blood.

    Jed and Sam are much happier now they can talk to their dad, that's special.

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  • Update 11 August

      11 August 2024

    John Patrick Leonard was responsive today. He opened his eyes and responded to the nurses requests, he has a tube down his throat so can't speak but uses hand gestures to communicate.

    So the updates have gone from critical and stable to critical, responsive and stable.

    We will see him tomorrow and let him know he has a large following of well wishers. We thank you for that, it helps a lot.

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  • Update 10 August 5:15pm

      10 August 2024

    John had his sedation reduced today and has wiggled his fingers and toes, we had a happy nurse on the end of the phone with Jed and Sam. We are heading to Auckland on Monday.

    The boys and friends are off to the All Black game tonight against Argentina - a nice gift from New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks.

    Everyone's support through this has been fantastic. Thank you.

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  • August 8 at 9am

      8 August 2024
    Main image

    The doctors will have another go today at putting a one way valve in John's lung to repair a hole caused by his lung infection. That's scheduled for 10am.

    It was a short update from his nurse this morning - her name is Maria which is a nice twist.

    We have started funeral plans for Maria and will keep everyone in the loop regarding that. Have a great day whatever you are doing.

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  • Auckland update Wed 7th Aug

      7 August 2024
    Main image

    Update 7 August

    John is fighting hard. He had a procedure yesterday to repair a hole in his lung - the doctors put in a one way valve to repair a hole. He's on an ECMO machine that does the work for his lungs, and mid day yesterday they reduced the machine's input due to John's fight to beat this.

    Jed and Sam are coping day by day, they feel your love.

    Maria and John would be very proud of them.

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  • Off to Auckland

      5 August 2024

    Due to feeling so much love and support we want to keep you updated so you can be with us on this journey.

    John has been moved to Auckland ICU for specialist care.

    He has a machine doing the job for his lungs, he is also on dialysis to filter his blood of impurities.

    Johns vitals are stable but he is in critical condition.

    He has a great team of doctors and nurses by his side 24/7

    A message from his boys Jed (15) Sam (14). Thanks everyone for your kind messages of support and donations in this very difficult time, we appreciate you.

    Much love to you all.

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  • Update 4 August

      4 August 2024

    John was transferred to Auckland city hospital late last night. John took a step backwards yesterday and the doctors are concerned about his ability to survive another setback. Auckland has a machine that John needs to help his lungs, which have been compromised by his illness.

    The boys will head up to join John today.

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  • Update

      3 August 2024

    Update 3 August

    John Patrick Leonard was taken off the dialysis machine yesterday, his kidneys are now filtering his blood and producing urine. All his vitals are improving.

    We are hoping to make 2 updates today with good news.

    Your support has been a guiding light.

    Their two boys are blown away buy how many people care and thats special.

    Your Aroha is felt in our hearts.

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