Lea-Ann has faced cancer before — and she beat it. Twice. Now she is facing her most difficult fight yet.

At just 44 years old, Lea-Ann is facing cancer for the third time. She has been diagnosed with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, an aggressive cancer in her upper esophagus just below her voice box. As a teenager, she bravely battled lymphoma and thyroid cancer enduring aggressive radiation and chemotherapy treatment. Doctors believe this devastating diagnosis is likely related to the radiation treatment she received during that time. Because of the location of the tumor, her voice now comes and goes, and she is no longer able to swallow to eat or drink. She now requires specialized nutrition through a tube that goes directly into her stomach to sustain her strength and nutrition. In addition, because of the location and her history of radiation, her treatment options are extraordinarily complex.

Upon diagnosis Lea-Ann was directly admitted to Tampa General Hospital to undergo several procedures and scans to better understand the complexity of the case. Within a week of returning home she was immediately placed on a heavy dose, short term chemo regimen to slow the tumor’s growth. Shortly after her second treatment of this regimen on 3/9 her medical team determined she must undergo five weeks of intensive radiation combined with chemotherapy — treatment that requires travel across the state due to the specialized care she needs.

In addition, integrative therapies are being pursued to support her body through this aggressive treatment, adding further financial strain as none of these therapies are covered by insurance. Normally, surgery would also be recommended for the best chance of cure for this type of cancer. However, for Lea-Ann, the surgery would be dangerous, requiring the removal of her esophagus and larynx (voice box) leaving her unable to speak or eat for the rest of her life in addition to having to breathe through a hole at the base of her neck (tracheostomy). Needless to say, this is NOT an option she wants to entertain. No mother should have to face losing her voice while raising three small children. This makes pursuing integrative and alternative modalities all the more important and pressing for her.

Lea-Ann is a devoted wife, a loving mother to three beautiful young children (ages 7, 6, and 5), an educator in the public school system, and one of the strongest women we know. Lea-Ann and her husband Jason have built a beautiful life centered on faith, service, health, and family. They live on a small farm where they raise their three children, goats, cows, and chickens with love, hard work, and strong values. Lea-Ann has dedicated her career to serving children as a public school educator. Jason, a proud veteran, now serves his community through his work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

They are servants of the public in every sense of the word.

How your support helps:

If you are able, please consider supporting Lea-Ann and her family during this unimaginable time. No donation is too small. If you cannot give financially, or if you have already done so, we ask that you please share this page and keep this beautiful family in your prayers.

Lea-Ann has spent her life caring for others — her students, her family, her community. Now it’s our turn to care for her.

Let’s help lift this family so Lea-Ann can focus on what matters most: healing and being here for her children.

Thank you for standing with Lea-Ann and her family during this time.

With love and gratitude,

Lea-Ann’s Family