Meet Leeya: 2018 Family Advocacy Day Champion

Leeya is participating at 2018 Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day from June 26-27 in Washington, D.C. During the event, Leeya will share information about her health journey and the importance of children’s health care with members of Congress. Below is her story.

Seventeen-year-old Leeya is as strong and compassionate as she is beautiful. A fun, smart young lady, Leeya has endured multiple life-changing events since being diagnosed with a vascular anomaly that impacted her lymphatic system more than 18 months ago.

Leeya was hospitalized at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital for nearly a month, where she underwent four paracenteses to remove abdominal fluid due to complications from a biopsy performed at a different hospital. Through it all, she managed to keep up her grades in school and activities with River City BBG, a Jewish youth group.

Since being discharged from the hospital, Leeya has been in stable condition but has suffered chronic pain, leading the family to seek treatment at the Boston Children’s Hospital Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center for five weeks. Despite having to take time away for her health, Leeya got back to school as soon as possible and is doing well academically.

Beyond her academic success, Leeya is service-minded and gives back to her community. She was elected president of her youth group and now volunteers with the Le Bonheur Children's Hospital teen group. In a truly inspiring expression of gratitude to Le Bonheur, Leeya rallied her youth group to organize a fashion show that raised $1,200 for the hospital. Truly, there seems to be no limit to what Leeya can accomplish when she sets her mind to it. Her plans for the future include studying hospital administration in college and becoming a CEO at a children’s hospital. We know you can do it, Leeya!

Join us in welcoming Leeya to 2018 Family Advocacy Day!

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Molly Oster commented 2018-05-23 19:08:42 -0400 · Flag

I am daily impressed by your attitude and willingness to “push through the pain” to be at school. It is so great to have you back post-Boston in better health and with a bigger smile. Looking forward to senior year – and I’m so proud of you for going to DC to advocate for children’s health. What an honor and opportunity! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Love you! Molly

Andrea Weiser commented 2018-05-23 15:50:04 -0400 · Flag

I am so very proud of you Leeya. And so proud to say you are my niece. You are an amazing role model to all. Keep u the amazing work and stay healthy! We love you xoxoxoxo
Andrea Lee and your family up north!