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Sunnyvale resident Luis Leon got more than he bargained for when he accompanied his father back to his parents' hometown of La Piedad, a small, rural town in Mexico. Leon decided while he was there to bicycle up a small mountain in La Piedad. This was supposed to be a routine biking trip. Instead, on Jan. 3 Leon lost control of his bicycle and flew over the side of the mountain, resulting in an accident that almost cost him his life.
Now Leon lies paralyzed in a hospital in Mexico City, unable to feel anything below his chest. While Leon is suffering in Mexico, his family is suffering with him in Sunnyvale, both mentally and financially. Without health insurance, Leon's family is left to pay his mounting hospital expenses.
According to Guadalupe Tovar, Leon's sister, when Leon arrived at the hospital, he underwent three surgeries and four transplants. As he was not wearing a helmet at the time, he suffered damage to his head. He also suffered severe damage to his thorax and broke several vertebrae. He is paralyzed from the chest down, though his doctors say with rehabilitation he can regain full use of his body.
Already Leon's hospital bills exceed $100,000 but his friends have rallied to support him and his family.
On Jan 18, friends and family gathered for a fundraiser to help pay for Leon's medical bills. One of the organizers and Leon's best friend, Jimmy Ruiz, thought having a barbecue at Washington Park Community Center would allow the community to come together to show their support.
Ruiz estimates that about 200 people showed up to indulge in good eats, share a few words about Leon, and of course, give financial support, which comes as no shock to Ruiz. "He's always there for people; he's a loving uncle; and he's been there for me when I needed him. That's why he has all these people helping him out," Ruiz said.
Some of Leon's artwork was displayed for the public to view, and many signed one of the framed paintings with good wishes for the invalid. Leon's niece, Tovar's daughter and her friend performed a dance they learned through their mariachi group. Sunnyvale resident Elke Navar said, "I noticed a lot of his friends that I've known since they were kids in school, and it was really incredible to see what they accomplished in such a short amount of time. It's something very unique."
According to Ruiz, more than $5,000 was raised to help Leon's family, though they are still in need. Leon's doctors recommend that he be sent to Valley Medical Center in San Jose for rehabilitation. Even coming home is no easy feat, as a doctor and a nurse must accompany Leon on his journey, which will cost roughly $15,000.
It has been a struggle, Tovar said, because of the economy and also because her parents are retired, which puts most of the burden on Leon's siblings. Tovar said that she has saved over $20,000 to finance her first home. Today, all of the money is gone, used to pay for Leon's bills. Through it all, Tovar's outlook remains positive. "That's nothing, because life has no price. We're learning a lesson to live day by day and just enjoy and be thankful for what we have," she said. "That includes the community," she said, "for praying for us and supporting us in many ways. Their generosity has been wonderful."
To contribute toward Luis Leon's medical expenses, contact Jimmy Ruiz at 408.499.5151 or send donations to the Luis Leon Fund, Sunnyvale City Employee Credit Union, 333 W. Maude Ave., #114, Sunnyvale, 94085.
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