Leah Jean Martin is a devoted mother in her early 30s with young children, and she has always been the one to care for others. After working hard to earn her social worker degree, Leah was ready to help those in need. But her life took a heartbreaking turn when, while pregnant with her youngest child, she began experiencing symptoms that were initially dismissed as pregnancy-related. After giving birth, Leah became seriously ill and was rushed to the hospital, where she received the devastating diagnosis of stage four colon cancer. She underwent emergency surgery and now lives with a colostomy bag, all while caring for her children and trying to stay strong for her family.

Over the past 6 to 8 months, Leah has endured tremendous pain and uncertainty. Doctors in the tri-state area, including Indianapolis and Evansville, told her there was nothing more they could do and advised her to get her affairs in order. But Leah’s family refused to give up hope. With their encouragement, she sought another opinion at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. There, she was given a renewed sense of hope: the team at Vanderbilt recommended restarting her chemotherapy and radiation, and even offered her a chance to try a new trial drug. Leah was scheduled to begin her new treatment plan, but now faces another devastating setback—her husband was recently laid off, and their insurance coverage will end on December 1. Without insurance, Leah will have no way to pay for the life-saving treatments and medications she desperately needs.

Leah is a strong, proud woman who would never ask for help herself, but her family is reaching out on her behalf. She has always put others first, and now she needs the support of her community. Any financial help or prayers for Leah and her family would mean the world during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness can give Leah the chance to continue her fight and be there for her children.