Do It for Gerry

Gerry is a co-worker and a friend of mine.  Let's do this for Gerry.

"This won't be the story about a guy who lost his leg. It's going to be the story about what the guy did after he lost his leg." - Gerry Leonard

From Gerry's son, Patrick:

Gerry Leonard, the “Silver Fox” as his staff call him, a Celtic loving family man that came from Glasgow, Scotland and has filled our lives with many memories over the years.

Whether you have taken a shot of Jameson with him, or shared a story or a laugh at the bar rail of Fado over the years, when you think of Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant, I believe my dad is one of the pillars in what makes the Seattle pub so special to so many. In the past few weeks, as some of you have heard we have been caught off guard by some hard times.
 
Gerry has had some unexpected health complications that have had to force us as a family into some lifestyle changes. His right leg was amputated from above the knee earlier this week. Doctors and surgeons at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, WA have worked so hard to do everything they could for him but ultimately, the results are what they are. As you can imagine, we as a family are shocked and overwhelmed by how unexpected this has been and how fast this has come our way.

With dramatic change comes dramatic adjustment. We now have a lot of hurdles in front of us as a family. My parent’s home needs to undergo a lot of changes. From the obvious of medical costs, to building ramps at their home, to widening doors for a wheelchair to fit, to needing a shower downstairs to bathe, we have a lot of work ahead of us. The reality is the list goes on and day by day we find out about something new that we need to figure out. This house is not anywhere near equipped for an amputee and these changes must get done quickly. 

We estimate the initial costs to ready the house to be around $20,000.  Cash donations, construction services and materials are all welcome.  All are needed ASAP as the changes to our home need to be in place for my dad to come home.  If you are able to help with a non cash contribution please contact the organizer below with your info.

Now as many of you know, my dad is an upbeat and encouraging personality. To put it simply, I fully believe everyone’s life is better with Gerry in it. Seeing his optimism and his fighting spirit makes me even more proud than I already was to be his son. With all the love and support he has received; we are humbled as a family. I knew he was loved but as we move into this next unexpected chapter of our lives, I feel it is critical to step up and ask for help.

At the pub, my dad has always been one to give a loving and welcoming space to everyone, give a platform and opportunity to those who need it, and most importantly in my opinion is spreading a genuine loving spirit and atmosphere that has been created over the years. I love my father so much, and I know many of you do too. It means the world to us as a family, so I am encouraging those who can help him out in a time where he needs it the most.

I love you all, and I cannot begin to thank you enough. Now is the time to step up and show my dad the love and support he needs from us all right now. A donation in any amount would go a long way in helping us.

Thank you all, we appreciate it more than we could ever properly convey.


With love,

Patrick Leonard