The Lesa Leahy Walsh Memorial Fund

It is with great shock that the autism community learned that Lesa Leahy Walsh passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly on July 2, 2016.

It is hard to put into words all that Lesa was in being a beloved wife to Dave, devoted mother to Kiera & Kyle, faithful family member and friend to so many, and an absolute warrior in the autism community.

Lesa was the center of her children's world - everyone who knew her knew that.  You could see it in every picture she posted of them and in every post of pride in all they have accomplished.  Yet even in that, she made it seem like all her time was devoted to the autism community.  She was a support system to so many of us.  She was an inspiration to an entire army of warrior moms who knew her.  

Lesa was not only an amazing mother to her kids, but also to this community. She looked out for and watched over everyone. She was always there to pick you up and tell you to keep marching on.  She checked in with you when you got quiet knowing instinctively that you were having a hard time.  She was always a voice of hope and light calling out in darkness.

She gave so much of herself to so many, it is now that we have an opportunity to give back to her.  

To rise to the occasion and carry her family through this most difficult season...

As she has carried so many of us through ours.

Dave is currently out of work.  He is a welder and his employment has often involved him traveling out of state.  Because he has to now be able to stay close to home to care for their family day to day, he is having to look for local work which might be more difficult to find.

Thank you for your support of the Walsh family -

On behalf of all in the autism community who knew, loved, and have been inspired by her warrior spirit,

            Michelle M Guppy