A New Zealand father has woken up from a medically induced coma after battling the same deadly virus that took his wife’s life a month earlier.
John Leonard contracted influenza A shortly after his wife Maria Packe-Leonard, 53, died on July 21 – just 10 days after symptoms first appeared.
The mother of two, a registered nurse, was admitted to hospital on July 20 but was discharged later that day. However, her condition deteriorated rapidly and she succumbed to the virus a few hours later.
Mr Leonard was flown by helicopter from Wellington to Auckland for specialist care and surgery after the virus ravaged his lungs and nearly killed him several times.
He is still in intensive care, but is now communicating with his young sons: Jed, 15, and Sam, 14.
Mrs. Packe-Leonard’s brother recently had a Give a little campaign to support the family and share regular updates.
“John is definitely a fighter, he has come back from near-death experiences several times,” the latest update said on Tuesday.
‘He is currently still in intensive care and is still very ill, but he is on the mend.
John Leonard (left) contracted influenza A shortly after the death of his wife Maria Packe-Leonard (right) on July 21.
Mr Leonard (pictured with his wife and sons) remains in intensive care but is able to communicate with his teenage sons.
“We have to limit the number of visitors so he can rest, but he can read your kind words of support on his phone.”
After waking from a coma two weeks ago, Mr Leonard was taken off life support and returned to Wellington, where he remains in intensive care.
More than $76,000 has been raised to support the family.
The proceeds are intended for subsistence.
“The donations are very much appreciated, along with your kind words. John will be unable to work for a while while he gets stronger,” Mr Packe added.
He said his brother-in-law started joking with his sons as soon as he woke up from his coma.
“The first thing he said to the boys was, ‘I’ve got a square bum,'” Mr Packe told the New Zealand Herald.
The family has decided to postpone Mrs. Packe-Leonard’s funeral until her husband is well enough to attend. Pictured is Mr. Leonard with his family
It is not known how long Mr Leonard (pictured with his two sons) will remain in hospital
The family has postponed Mrs Packe-Leonard’s funeral until her husband is well enough to attend.
It is not yet known how long he will remain in hospital.
“Sometimes it looked like it wouldn’t be that bad, but now it looks like he’s going to recover and we can have a funeral where he’s involved in the planning. That will be very special,” Packe said.
He added that his nephews are doing well despite nearly losing their father while grieving the death of their mother.