If you know Leslie, affectionately known as 'Bear' to her family and close friends, you know she has a heart for serving others. Whether through a warm meal, a helping hand, or simply being there when someone needed her, Bear has spent her life putting others first. She has proudly served the Beatrice community for many years as a chef at Beatrice 77 Livestock, Ringside Cafe, Micheal Jay's Bar and Grill, and American Legion Post 27, sharing her passion for cooking and her caring spirit with countless people.

Today, Bear is facing the greatest challenge of her life. She has been diagnosed with extensive-stage small cell lung/liver carcinoma, an aggressive form of cancer, and has already begun treatment. While she is determined to fight with everything she has, she is also facing an overwhelming financial burden. Without medical insurance and unable to work, medical bills, medications, treatment costs, travel expenses, and everyday living expenses continue to mount. Beyond her work, Bear is a devoted single mother of two amazing boys who mean everything to her. She is a loyal friend, a loving sister and daughter, and a kind person who would never hesitate to help someone in need.

Now, it is our turn to stand beside her. We are asking our family, friends, and community to rally around Bear during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation—no matter the amount—will go directly towards helping her medical expenses and daily living costs, allowing her to focus on what matters most: fighting cancer, spending precious time with her boys and fiancé, and finding strength for the road ahead.