Leah was diagnosed with a brain tumor after her parents discovered one day that one of her eyelids appeared "droopy." Soon afterwards her pupil also became enlarged. They went to the pediatrician that Monday morning and then were sent to an eye doctor. The eye doctor recommended an MRI and within 48 hours Leah and her parents were in an ambulance to the local children's hospital, where she was diagnosed with high grade glioma - brain tumor.
 
Leah had two brain surgeries, six weeks of radiation, two different chemotherapy treatments, dozens of MRI's of the brain and spine and she also tried a clinical trial. No effective treatment existed for her cancer.
 
Sadly, Leah passed away from her cancer at the age of 7. Her mother’s hopes and dreams are that no other child has to experience what Leah did and that no other family has to experience the journey their family has traveled.
 
“I want others to know that the best thing to do, even though it may not seem like it at the time, is to live each day and appreciate each day.”
 
Leah held an Alex’s Lemonade Stand at her neighborhood’s annual block party the summer before she passed away. Getting involved made her feel like she was making a difference and helping other children in her situation. Leah’s mother is a sixth grade teacher some of her students have hosted lemonade stands for ALSF to honor Leah.
 
Sibling quote:  "I wish Sissy was still here, she would have laughed at me." – James, Leah’s younger brother
 
Information provided by Shannon, Leah’s proud mother
April 2015