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Leo’s Story

Site created on July 1, 2023

Dear Friends,
Welcome to our CaringBridge website for Leo Finkenbinder. His family knows that throughout his life, he impacted so many in a positive, encouraging way. We know you have heard he is not doing well and we want to have one place for you to send messages and to also give periodic updates as to his status.

Just to update you on his condition. Dad has not been at his best for a while and over the last few weeks he started declining. His doctors have been puzzled by his progression of symptoms. Last week, he was admitted to Mercy Hospital. After numerous tests and consultations, the neurologist met with our family.

He says they have narrowed my dad's illness down to either an autoimmune illness affecting his brain or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. This is the human equivalent to mad-cow disease. He thinks it is the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease because of the rapid onset of dementia and rapid loss of motor control. Mayo Clinic is running the tests and it takes 2 or 3 weeks before results come back for either test.

He was not like this three weeks ago. This is so unexpected. Because of how rapid this has come on, the doctor is not sure about life expectancy. If it is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, there is no cure.

Dad has been moved to a rehabilitation hospital to try to keep him moving and not lose muscle mass. He has lost 20 pounds very rapidly. He still knows us and can still have conversations, but is easily confused. He has involuntary muscle movement, is losing motor control, and severe headaches.

Mom is devastated. Of course we all are, he is the rock of our extended family.

Even with this devastating diagnosis, dad is his usual cheerful, sweet self. He is aware of what is happening. He has spoken many times of the faithfulness of God. He knows that his place in heaven is secure. He continues to pray for family and friends - that they will find the love of God in their lives.

He speaks often of the students and people that he taught and interacted with over the years and is so glad he could help "grow scientists who love Christ".

Meanwhile, we as a family are also having precious time with him. He is telling stories of his amazing life and how it is anchored to his strong love for our Heavenly Father.

The doctor has said to not give up hope, we are still waiting on the final test results.

If you have my moms phone number, you may text or call.
If you would like to visit, please call, text, or send a message on here and my mom will contact you.

If you want to send a card, he would love to hear from you.

Their address is:
Leo and Zana Finkenbinder
3205 N. Shannon Ave.
Bethany, OK. 73008

By using this site, we will be sure that mom and dad see your comments and love.
This site will allow us to get and share information easier than Facebook or other sites.

We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. I will keep you updated.

Thanks for your prayers.

Sending love from our family.
Zonda Finkenbinder Martin

Newest Update

Journal entry by zonda martin — Sep 19, 2023

Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your continued prayers for our family, in particular my mom as she learns to live without Dad.
Our family appreciate the outpouring of love and support given.
Some have asked for contact information to send cards to mom.
If you would like that, let me know and I will share that with you.

It has been three weeks since the memorial service.
It was a lovely service with so many kind words and memories being shared about Leo.
It was touching to have so many want to share.

Several have asked about a link to see the service.
It is housed on the Mercer Adams website with his obituary.
The link is: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8x0sf8frw77t88w/AAC5039EDJufjgZsmU2g1fQFa?dl=0&preview=Leo+Finkenbinder+-+Memorial+Service.mp4 />
Thank you again and God bless.
Zonda

Read More of the journal titled "September 19, 2023"

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