A fast-moving and severe bacterial infection had invaded Tom Leonard's leg and threatened his vital organs. As Tom's health declined, his family made a difficult decision that cost Tom his leg but saved his life: On December 8, 2010, surgeons amputated his left leg just above the knee. Tom also suffered a stroke, and the resulting neurological deficits only complicated his recovery from the infection and the amputation.

"Each day since has been a gift," says Tom, who was bedridden for weeks, completely unable to stand. Following his recovery from the surgery, he spent 11 weeks at Spaulding North Shore, where he learned how to walk with his new prosthesis.

He says the first moment he stood on his new foot was a miracle, and he can’t fully describe how lucky he feels to have received such attentive care and to have been given a new lease on life. "It would be difficult for me to even begin to try to describe the wonderful therapeutic care I received in this great facility," Tom says. "Trying to single out one therapist over another would be like trying to suggest which of your children you love the best. They all have something unique to offer me and to challenge me with."

While Tom was recovering at Spaulding North Shore, he was looking forward to his grandson's graduation from St. John's Prep. The upcoming graduation would be a milestone not only for Tom's grandson but also for Tom: He set a goal to be strong enough to walk across the stage with his son and grandson to receive the St. John's Legacy Award acknowledging three generations of alumni in one family. After weeks of hard work, Tom achieved his goal.

Now he's home, where he's resumed his duties as a newspaper columnist and as a board member of numerous local organizations. Tom’s rehab team at Spaulding North Shore helped him return to his family, friends, community and life. Spaulding’s Adaptive Sports Program has even enabled him to play golf again, and he’s close to meeting his next goal: playing golf in a foursome again.

Tom knows firsthand just how important Spaulding North Shore is to the community: “The work that is done here is extraordinary, and the hundreds of patients who are served here each year are truly lucky to have such a facility available to them.”

Spaulding North Shore is an outstanding community rehabilitation hospital, and the community’s support enables the hospital to lend help and strength to those who need care.