When Brazilian Junior record-holder Leonardo Coutinho was diagnosed with leukemia two days after Christmas, he and his family knew they’d be in store for some unexpected developments over the coming weeks.
One development they couldn’t possibly have expected, though, was a positive one: After asking for blood donations for Leonardo, the Coutinho family was met with a record response. Over four days, more than 400 people donated blood to the 19-year-old. For reference, the typical amount the blood bank receives is 100 donations. Per month.
Coutinho, who holds the Brazilian Junior record in the 200 back, got a headache two days before Christmas that worsened over the holiday. The onset of the illness was a whirlwind, and by December 28th, Coutinho was already diagnosed, in the hospital, and beginning chemotherapy.
The Brazilian still has a long road of treatment and recovery ahead of him. But for a record-breaking swimmer, there can’t be any more promising sign than this: even with a serious illness keeping him away from the pool, Coutinho (and his support network) are still managing to break records.