Donna's Heart of Gold: Support Her Cancer Treatment

I've had the honor of witnessing Donna Leech be a wonderful mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and teacher for many years. Donna gives her time to others without ever expecting anything in return. She has a heart of gold and always has a happy disposition, no matter the circumstance. Even through the most challenging life moments, she rises. Now, she needs us.

Recently, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that was surgically removed, but has left her with some visual and nerve impairment. The cancer has spread to her lungs, so immunotherapy and chemo are the best course of treatment. Unfortunately, her insurance does not cover the immunotherapy sessions- her best chance at healing. This fundraiser has been set up to pay for her treatment, so she can focus on her healing instead of worrying about covering the cost. (All donations are going directly to her account so she can make payments).

When I first met Donna over a decade ago, I knew we would be friends for life. I needed help putting a stool together in my new classroom that was next to hers. She volunteered to help me, which led to almost three hours of getting to know each other while I watched her figure out where all the pieces of the stubborn stool went. She was my hero that day and every day thereafter. I admired how she did so much for her family and students, and managed to have so much energy to do more.

In 2019, she became the first National Geographic certified teacher at her school, her home away from home. In 2020, she led her school to become a Green School of Choice. Donna was awarded Teacher of the Year at Grandview Preparatory School in 2019-2020, and continued to earn accolades and participate in professional learning opportunities to hone her craft as an educator. At the same time, she has cared tirelessly for her family, including her mother in hospice, while being a loving wife and proud mom to two grown sons.

Let's rally around Donna the way she has always been there for us! We’re raising funds to cover the cost of Donna’s lifesaving immunotherapy treatments so she can focus on healing and continue blessing others with her light.

Update as of 8/21/2025:

Donna is still in the hospital being treated for an infection in her lungs. She’s already received her first round of chemo and immunotherapy. Her second round of immunotherapy will be in two weeks. Each round of immunotherapy costs $15,000 that her insurance will not cover. Donna and her family are beyond grateful for the donations that continue to come in. She is fighting this cancer no matter the obstacles that arise. The financial help from all of you is putting her mind at ease and focus on getting better.