The Rev. Leslie Roraback has spent her life caring for others.

As an Episcopal priest, Leslie has walked with people through baptisms and burials, weddings and hospital rooms, moments of deep joy and profound sorrow. She has embodied and preached hope when it felt distant, offered steady presence in times of crisis, and lived her vocation with generosity and grace. Beyond her ministry, she is a devoted mother whose love for her children shapes everything she does.

In recent years, Leslie has endured more than her share of heartbreak and hardship. Through a series of personal tragedies and unexpected losses, she has continued to show up for her family and her community with courage and faith. Now, she is facing one of the hardest challenges yet: the progression of her cancer.

Two years ago, Leslie received an advanced cancer diagnosis which was later discovered to be primary peritoneal cancer, a rare type which occurs in less than 7 out of 1,000,000 individuals. Through surgery and chemotherapy, her condition has remained relatively stable until this past month. After an exponential increase in symptoms, Leslie’s medical team discovered the development of brain metastases. Radiation treatment commenced immediately, and Leslie continues to fight valiantly through this new challenge.

With the progression of her cancer, Leslie has made the decision to relocate to live with her daughter and family in North Carolina, a place she knows as home. We are raising funds to help cover costs associated with relocation such as retrofitting the home to be safer and accessible (adding in a ramp, railings, handle bars, etc), travel for loved ones to be with Leslie (such as her eldest daughter from California), and continued treatment and daily living expenses.

For someone who has dedicated her life to serving others, this is a moment for her community and those who love her to surround her with the same care she has so freely given. Every gift—large or small—will make a tangible difference and will be received with deep gratitude. If you are able, please consider contributing. If you cannot give financially, your prayers, messages of encouragement, and sharing this page are equally meaningful.

Leslie has spent her life bearing hope into the world. Let’s now bear hope to her.

A note from Leslie’s children: Known to many as Mother Leslie, we know her as Mom. Thank you for loving her and supporting her. It has been a gift to watch Mom’s community embrace her as the beautiful, shining soul we have always known her to be. As a family, we deeply appreciate the generosity bestowed by you all and recognize the importance of ensuring stability and quality time with our Mom during this period of her life. Thank you for helping us be there for her as she has been for us. With gratitude, Laurel, Jill, and Ben