Help Leslie Kick Cancer's Ass

Hi Friends and Family,

My name is Deanne, and I am honored to host this GoFundMe account for my friend Leslie. While I am taking the lead for this account, please know that this is a collective effort of friends, family and community members who love and adore Leslie.

Introduction

Even if we haven't met, being connected through Leslie means we have one thing in common; it's how our lives are made better by knowing her. Leslie is a woman of impact. Ask someone who has met her, and you will see it on their face when they speak her name. Many of the roles she has played in life seem to come from a natural place, only to then be amplified by the sincerity and love she puts into them daily. Watching her as a mother will remind you of loyalty, dedication, compassion and protection. Leslie's love for her two children, Carter 19, and Kylie 16, is unwavering in inspiration. Carter and Kylie will know strength and the power of hope because of her guidance.

Like all of the other roles she plays, Leslie is an all-in friend. She shows up to celebrate accomplishments of all sizes, with enthusiasm that will spark goosebumps. And when the rain comes, she will wrap you with tenderness, plant seeds of belief and feed them with love until they grow. She is the healing ingredient that we are all lucky to have on our speed dial.

Leslie has been a leader in the Sacramento yoga community for the last 11 years. Every class with her feels rich with optimism and honesty. She has an infectious way of bringing people together, and you are most likely reading this as a result of that very power. Our yoga spaces would not be the same without her. Leslie is quite literally the glue that keeps our yoga circles thriving. She built this community of souls who gratefully stand together. Now it is our turn to stand with her and this fight.

The Backstory

In June, Leslie found a lump in her left breast. She went in for a mammogram and an ultrasound which led to a biopsy of the spot in question. Results from the biopsy confirmed cancerous cells. She underwent a lumpectomy to remove the cancer from the left breast. During that procedure, the doctor also took a portion of her lymph nodes to test for cancer. Things moved quickly and in true Leslie fashion, her optimism ran high as she took the layers of this news and planned for what was next. Being the eternal optimist, she felt strongly that everything would be all right, and she would be back to life as usual.

A week after her procedure, she received more news from her pathology report that rocked her world. Her cancer had spread into her lymph nodes and this fight had just begun. While she is still in the process of consulting with her oncology team, the plan that is unfolding will include a double mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. Her genetic testing also revealed that she has the a genetic mutation in her CHEK2 gene. The CHEK2 gene is a tumor-suppressor gene that protects cells from becoming cancerous. People with this gene mutation are more at risk for certain types of cancer including breast and colon cancer. Due to this, she will be having further screenings for other cancers.

All of this news has sparked an overwhelming response from friends, family, and students asking for ways to help. So we decided to put this GoFundMe account together to see how BIG we can go when we all come together for an incredible human like Leslie.

The Plan

Our current goal is to raise 30K to go towards medical expenses, therapies, meal plans and anything she may need along this road to recovery. While she has insurance, it doesn't come close to even covering her procedure. She already had $2,500 out of pocket and there's more ahead of her. During this time, Leslie won't be teaching, so any help in this way will allow all of her energy to go into this fight. Most importantly, your contributions will allow us to bring joy to Leslie and her family at a moment's notice - when it is needed the most.

Sign Leslie's Digital Get Well Card!

Along with your contribution, we invite you all to write Leslie a personal message in this digital greeting card that will be sent to her at the end of August. SIGN HERE

We'll Keep You "Posted" (Literally)

We plan to share updates and to capture the impact your donations are making.

Privacy and Sharing

Please feel free to share this on your personal social media accounts!

Most of all, thank you for loving this incredible woman as much as you do. While this journey is unexpected, there hasn't been a challenge Leslie hasn't been able to conquer. Together let's help her fight the good fight and fuel her fire to get to the other side!

With love and immense gratitude,

Team Leslie