Hi everyone, we wanted to share an update on Leanne’s journey. We’ve received a date for her treatment to begin in March.

We still have work to do on the fundraising front, but we are so incredibly grateful. Thank you to each and every one of you who has donated, shared, reached out, and supported us. Your generosity and care have truly changed lives.

As we prepare for this next step, we’re feeling hopeful and deeply thankful. If you’re able to continue sharing or contributing, it means more than we can say. Every bit of support helps us move closer to this important milestone.

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Hi, my name is Christine Bays and I'm raising money so my sister-in-law Leanne can access needed mental health support at Homewood Health Centre in Guelph Ontario. Here is her story.

Leanne is the kind of person people remember. She is funny, animated, generous, and deeply caring. A devoted single mom, she raised two remarkable young adults who are thoughtful, compassionate, and fiercely devoted to her — a testament to the love and stability she gave them.

But for several years now, Leanne has been living with severe, debilitating panic disorder. This isn’t occasional anxiety. It’s a condition that has steadily narrowed her world — limiting her ability to work, socialize, and participate in daily life. Despite being intelligent, capable, and resilient, panic has taken away much of her independence and sense of purpose.

Leanne has pursued many therapy options over the years. She has shown up, done the work, and tried again and again. Unfortunately, her symptoms have not improved — not because she hasn’t tried, but because panic disorder at this level often requires specialized, intensive treatment beyond standard therapy.

The impact has been devastating. Living in constant fear and isolation has led Leanne to periods of deep depression. At times, the weight of this illness has been so heavy that she has struggled with thoughts of ending her life. This is incredibly painful to share — but it’s important to be honest about how serious her situation is. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for her age group.

Leanne wants to live. She doesn’t want to live a life limited by pain and fear. She wants to work again. To hike. To volunteer. To build friendships. To feel useful, connected, and alive. She wants a life full of colour, joy, and meaning — a life that reflects who she truly is, not what panic has taken from her.

She needs help to get there.

This fundraiser is to support Leanne in accessing specialized, evidence-based treatment for severe panic disorder — intensive care designed for people who have not responded to traditional therapy. This type of treatment can be life-saving, but it is costly and not fully covered.

Funds raised will go toward professional assessment, intensive treatment, and essential aftercare to support lasting recovery.

Asking for help is not easy. But Leanne is choosing hope — and choosing to fight for her life.

If you’re able to donate, you are helping provide more than treatment.

You are helping a mother stay alive.

You are helping a deeply capable woman reclaim her future.

You are helping a daughter, a sister, an aunt we all love so much.

If you can’t donate, sharing this page is a powerful way to help.

Thank you for standing with Leanne.

With much love and gratitude.