By Greg Ellison

(Nov. 4, 2021) Community support has poured in quickly for former Salisbury University lacrosse player Dennis Leonard, who faces a long path to recovery after suffering burns to 96 percent of his body from a gas fire accident last Sunday.

Erik Miller, a past lacrosse teammate and good friend, organized an online fundraiser on behalf of Leonard’s wife, Bronwyn.

Miller was encouraged after a GoFundMe page established five days ago with a fundraising goal of $10,000 quickly topped that mark and currently sits just over $25,000 from nearly 200 donors.

“It’s overwhelming,” he said. “We doubled the $10,000 goal is just over 24 hours.”

Leonard was flown to Johns Hopkin Medical Center’s ICU Burn Center in critical condition after the Oct. 24 accident.

Miller said the first dose of positive news came following surgery on Oct. 27 where doctors reported the front of Leonard’s body would not require skin grafting.

Doctors have estimated Leonard could be hospitalized for up to eight months.

Bronwyn Leonard, and the couple’s children, Rife and Brittyn Lyra, will continue making regular trips form the Eastern Shore to comfort Dennis while recuperating at Bay View Hospital in Baltimore.

His wife said the family really appreciates all the support,” he said.

Speaking this week, Miler said his old cohort is charting a course to recovery, with continued progress following his most recent surgery this Monday

“He came out really well from that,” he said. “When he was a player, he was tough as nails.”

Anyone wishing to send greetings can mail cards, letters or pictures addressed to Leonard at Bay View Hospital

4940 Eastern Ave. Baltimore, MD.

To donate to the GoFundMe page, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-dennis-and-the-leonards?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=webmail04.register.com&utm_campaign=comms_7zt3+help-dennis-and-the-leonards.