Leslie McNeill's Healing Help

My name is Dana Madhavan. I've had the pleasure of having Leslie as my son's teacher for 2 years and being the room parent for her class. Miss McNeill was recently diagnosed with cancer that spread after a previous battle with breast cancer 7 years ago.

 

Leslie is an amazing teacher, friend, aunt, colleague and daughter. Her energy and love light up a room. I remember how excited she was to discuss plans for Arroyo's school garden. She told me she would love to have the kids grow their own food for lunch and be able to trade them fruit snacks for a healthy fruit from a tree on campus. She came dressed in overalls ready to overhaul the garden beds before garden lessons started.

 

When Leslie first opened up about her diagnosis, she immediately shifted the conversation to the kids. She asked me to make sure the kids stayed on track and were doing well. She wanted them to know she had to take time to work on healing and listening to what her body needs.

 

Every time I ask her how we can help, she just asks about the kids. I would love to see her community support her in her healing process. Her medical treatments are expensive and difficult. I'm sure it would be a great relief not to worry as much about all the costs. Even more than that, I would love to give her the financial freedom to do something that would bring her happiness. A massage to relax or even a trip for her adventure-loving heart to have a distraction.

 

Leslie does not know about the efforts here, and we would like this to be a surprise. I so appreciate all the generosity and support for such a beautiful soul!