The Pike County community, in Georgia was deeply saddened by an incident involving six-year-old Leland Shoemake. Unfortunately, Leland lost his life due to a brain infection that he had been battling for a month. He received treatment at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospital in Egleston. Despite his fight, he couldn’t overcome the illness.
During this time Leland’s parents, Amber and Tim stood by his side with unwavering support and love. When they returned home over the weekend they discovered a note left by Leland; ” with you… Thank you, Mom and Dad… Love.” Alongside this heartfelt message was a drawing that included a heart along with the words “mom,” “dad,” and “love.”
Leland’s life was tragically taken by an infection caused by the amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris. His mother suspects that he may have contracted it during his adventures where he loved exploring and playing in the dirt. Mrs. Shoemake reflected on this heart-wrenching tragedy saying, “What he enjoyed most was playing in the dirt. I never thought that would be what took him away, from me.”
He meant everything to me the reason I embraced motherhood. We encountered challenges to bring him into this world and even though he was born prematurely he showed resilience and good health.
Mrs. Shoemake expressed sorrowfully, “No parent should ever have to experience the pain of burying their child. I always hoped it would be me who goes first because I don’t think I possess the strength to endure something, like this. It still feels surreal, to me.”
Before this tragedy unfolded, the Shoemake family had established a GoFundMe page to cover the escalating medical expenses. The community rallied behind them with overwhelming support, and the contributions received will now be utilized to give Leland a fitting funeral service. Along their journey, Mrs. Shoemake shared the intense treatment her son endured. Initially, doctors struggled to pinpoint his condition, suspecting meningitis before confirming an amebic brain infection.
In a poignant update, she disclosed, ‘He had several teams of doctors working tirelessly to treat him. He’s on ten different medications, and they all have severe side effects. He experienced severe headaches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and now his eyes are crossed, making it impossible to focus on anything without seeing double.’
The Pike County community came together in a heartfelt vigil to honor and remember young Leland, as reported by WSB-TV. This heartrending story serves as a solemn reminder of the vulnerability of life and the unwavering strength of a mourning family.