Leann Hedinger Kalcum

Friends and family, my name is Jennifer Wagner and I am both a longtime friend and co-worker of Leann's here in Wheeling, West Virginia. I am reaching out to you all on behalf of Leann and her family. Leann Hedinger Kalcum isn’t just a beautiful loving 38-year-old wife to IJ and mother of 3 to Zander, Layla, and Amira.  She is a full-time occupational therapist at Wheeling Hospital. She is an amazing daughter to her mom and stepdad, as she was to her late father, going to his bedside every day after work while he battled Melanoma. Leann is the best big sister anyone could ask for!  The best niece, friend, and therapist. She is so special.

Leann is full of life.  She is lighthearted, easy going, and never complains. So, in 2018 when she began having continual pain in her right leg, she knew there was something wrong. On a trip to the doctor she was diagnosed with a benign osteoblastoma that she then had surgically removed. Leann did everything as ordered; no weight bearing for months, physical therapy, massage therapy, and pain management. However, her pain never ceased and only continued to worsen. She has spent the last year traveling to Morgantown trying to pursue an answer. Last month she was told her tumor had returned and biopsy revealed malignancy. Leann was diagnosed with osteoblastic osteosarcoma. She will require aggressive chemotherapy for 4 months prior to surgery. After the tumor is removed, she will continue treatment for 4 more months.

Leann will be unable to work for close to a year.  IJ Kalcum, Leann’s husband, is doing a wonderful job of maintaining a normal life for their children. However, a once 2 income household reduced to 1 for an extended period in such a stressful situation will take its toll. All prayers and well wishes would be welcomed and greatly appreciated along with any donations you can give to help this beautiful young family during this extremely difficult time. All donations received will go directly to the Kalcum family as IJ and Leann are the sole beneficiaries and the account is linked to them. The donations will then be used to help the family pay their monthly bills, medical expenses accrued during this time, buy groceries and to care for their three young children. If you have any questions regarding the donation process, please feel free to reach out to me directly. Thank you in advance for donating.

Sincerely,

Jennifer