Leora is an active, colorful, fun loving young woman with a passion for snowboarding and living life to the fullest.

Just before her 25th birthday Leora was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. On September 19, 2014 she was admitted to the ER for emergency surgery. They removed a 5cm tumor and most of her colon.

The biopsy result was not what we hoped for. It was a malignant tumor, and it had already permeated 7 lymph nodes. Leora underwent intense chemotherapy for 6 months. She remained strong and optimistic throughout the treatment and continued working despite the awful side effects. This was just the beginning of a 6 year battle with cancer.

One year later the cancer metastasized to her lung, changing the diagnosis to stage 4. Naturally trying to get one last hoorah in at the mountain before this lung surgery, Leora went snowboarding and got in an accident on the hill breaking her tibia, fibula and collarbone in one swift swoop.  She had another incredibly painful surgery to remove the mass in her lung while in a cast and sling. Always a warrior, Leora continued to work from her hospital bed and throughout another round of chemotherapy.

Once again, her courage and strength prevailed and she was back on the road to recovery. She would throw her wheelchair in the backseat of the car & hop on one leg to pump gas while she made 6 hour solo trips to Mammoth just to be surrounded by the comforting energy of the mountains and friends.  With physical therapy and support she was riding again within a few months.

Leora continued to have scans every few months. She moved forward with strength and optimism. She has never made “cancer” part of her identity because she refuses to be defined by her illness.

One year later and two weeks after a clear scan Leora went back to the ER with pelvic pain. She was once again admitted for emergency surgery. The cancer had metastasized to her ovary. An eight cm tumor ruptured and filled her entire pelvic cavity with colon cancer cells. Consequently, they removed her ovary and she was forced to endure a third round of chemotherapy. On top of chemo, Leora was put into temporary menopause in an attempt to save her fertility. This was an exhausting and painful experience for her, both physically and mentally.

Despite being sick for most of her 20s Leora pushed on. She continued working,snowboarding and getting outside (whenever her body could handle it) and has always maintained an optimistic outlook.

Since then she has had 5 more lung metastases, resulting in three surgeries and one ablation. This left her with one mass remaining on her left lung. Still, Leora continues to live the best life possible.

In March 2020, Leora was scheduled for surgery to remove the last remaining lung tumor, but it was cancelled due to COVID 19. However, on April 11th she went back to the ER with pelvic pain. Once again, she needed emergency surgery. They removed her remaining ovary. It had a tumor the size of a tennis ball on it. During the surgery, the surgeon discovered 3 smaller tumors. She was able to remove one, but the others are inoperable. She has been prescribed chemo for the fourth time. The loss of her second ovary weighs heavily on her heart as she has always hoped to have a family.
 
Altogether the most recent manifestation of cancer has proven to be more emotionally and physically taxing than it has ever been. At the age of 30, Leora has grown into a brilliant, determined, beautiful, vibrant, active young woman. She is a true fighter facing the toughest battle yet, and she needs your help.

Any support you can generously provide will go towards easing financial strain and allowing her to focus on healing. Proceeds will go towards covering medical costs and medications that are not covered by insurance, as well as additional expenses such as healthy food, supplements, and her mental health. Leora deserves the chance to fight, unburdened by financial distress and with a lighter heart.

With much gratitude.

If you can please help by sharing it would be much appreciated.