A Mount Dora father’s sudden medical emergency has left his family of seven grappling with an uncertain diagnosis, mounting bills and the possibility of brain surgery.

Mount Dora’s Leo Schwab experienced facial drooping and numbness on one side of his body while speaking with his wife, Morgan, at their home, prompting an emergency trip to the hospital. Leo is a hardscape worker and the sole provider for his wife and five children.

He was later discharged from the hospital on May 19. He briefly returned to light-duty work after his employer created a shop-manager position for him, but his condition worsened.

In early July, Leo underwent a lumbar puncture and an MRI with contrast. Early the next morning, his primary care physician notified the family that bacteria had been found in his spinal fluid — a rare and still-unexplained finding that doctors have not yet linked to a specific diagnosis. He was rushed to AdventHealth Waterman and re-admitted on July 10, remaining hospitalized for a stretch of tests before being discharged again.

A tumor was also found in his brain but they will not know if it is cancerous until he undergoes brain surgery.

“At this time Leo has been discharged and is at home,” says Morgan Schwab, Leo’s wife. “We’re going through a whole slew of tests outpatient right now and close follow-ups with neurosurgery. Thankfully the neurosurgeons we are following closely are the ones through the larger hospital down on Rollins in Orlando.”

“My heart feels shattered, and my mind can barely process it all,” says Morgan. “To say I’m a nervous wreck and anxious beyond belief would be an understatement.” Adding to the difficult situation, the Schwab family unfortunately does not have health insurance.

Justina Briguglio, a family friend who’s helping run the GoFundMe page, says, “This family has always been a source of kindness and support to those around them. Now more than ever, they need the support of the community.”

With rapidly accumulating medical bills, costs of travel to appointments, lost wages and the everyday expenses of raising five children taking their toll, the family has asked for prayers, meals, groceries, gift cards or donations to help ease the burden.

“I continue to ask for your prayers and love as we walk through this,” says Morgan. “If you’re able to donate or even just share our GoFundMe, it would mean the world to us. We are so grateful for every bit of support. Thank you for standing with us.”

For those who wish to donate, you can do so with the GoFundMe or Amazon Wish List link.