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ZEBULON - 6 year old Leland Shoemake, who has been fighting an amoebic infection for the past several weeks, passed away this evening. The community gathered together to pray for his healing earlier this week and that God would provide grace sufficient for all of the family’s needs. The community is gathering again around the family to pray and support them as Leland's life is celebrated and his loss mourned.
This is the message that was on the Prayers for Leland Facebook page tonight: "Today sweet Leland went to be with the Lord. He fought so hard, but ultimately the sickness was too much for his body to handle. The family is heartbroken and filled with sorrow, and we respectfully ask that you allow them time to grieve. Please continue to pray for the them."
Click here if you would like to show support to this family with a donation to help with medical costs. You can leave a message of love to the family at https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforLeland.
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Over 200 people gathered in Zebulon to pray for healing for Leland Shoemake on September 22, 2015. The call went out by social media and word of mouth earlier in the day. Marc Pritchett led the prayer vigil for Leland as he is fighting an infection caused by an amoeba.
Leland Shoemake is a 1st grader at Pike Primary School who loves Legos, Minecraft, the History Channel, the Titanic, and learning about historical things. “He's the smartest 6 year old you would ever meet. He loves school, his friends, his brother, his family and learning,” said Amber Shoemake, Leland’s Mom. “He's not your typical 6 year old. You can ask our friends and family... They are amazed at how smart he is!”
Leland has been at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta at Egleston since September 10th. He has suffered from bad headaches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and a difficulty to focus on anything without seeing double.
Doctors diagnosed Leland with meningitis and began treating him for this a few days ago. But after additional testing, they came back to the family and advised that it was an amoeba called balamuthia mandrillaris that is the problem.
This amoeba can be found naturally in the soil and can enter the body when soil comes in contact with skin wounds or cuts or when the dust is breathed through the nose and mouth. (Click here to read from the CDC about this.) Not enough is known about this amoeba to know why it affects some people and not others; however, when it infects someone, it causes a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord called granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE).
According to the CDC website listed above, the amoeba was just discovered in 1986 and declared a new species of amoeba in 1993. There have been 200 cases of this infection worldwide since that time with at least 70 cases occurring here in the United States.
“We never imagined anything like this could ever happen to us let alone our child. I'm a very protective mother and make them wash their hands and be respectful and keep them close to me,” said Amber.
She said that there has been an outpouring of love from the community for Leland and her family. “The community has blown us away with how much love and support they have given us. We love each and every person.”
John Shoemake, Leland’s grandfather, was at the prayer vigil tonight on behalf of Leland and the family. Timmy and Amber, Leland’s parents, are keeping watch by his side at Egleston. The Shoemakes also have a one year old son who adores his older brother!
Pastor Marc Pritchett asked everyone to gather around John as they prayed. People laid hands upon John and those around them touched the people around and in front of them so all were gathered to pray in one accord.
Marc led prayer that God would heal Leland’s body and that God would provide grace sufficient for all of the family’s needs. He also prayed for healing in the lives of those who were present there and encouraged everyone to chase after God’s heart.
There were tears and a lot of hugs as people in the community consoled each other as well as the children who were there to pray for their friend, Leland. Many people from the community have offered prayers for Leland and his family online, and others who could not attend the vigil tonight have been in prayer for Leland throughout the day.
As of 11 p.m. on Tuesday night, $5,000 has been raised so far to help pay with medical and other expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/LelandShoemake. A Facebook page has also been set up to keep friends, family, and Leland supporters up to date on his progress at https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforLeland.
Leland’s Facebook page noted a change to who is being allowed to visit him at this time. As of today, the hospital has placed Leland on the privacy list. “Only a few immediate family members will be allowed to visit Leland at this time. This is what is best for his recovery and best for all the families that have loved ones in the PICU. The family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for Leland, and ask that you continue to pray for his healing.”
Leland's Grandfather (in the middle wearing the bright blue shirt) is surrounded by the community during the prayer for Leland.
Members of the Pike County Pirates 6 and Under Team came out to support Leland tonight.