improving the lives of children through the art of storytelling
Meet Leia
Leia Hunt is a two-time childhood cancer survivor. As a two-year-old, she was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma and received five rounds of chemotherapy. At the age of three, the cancer returned and Leia received radiation via an isotope. This treatment was successful, but also took the vision in her left eye. This brought many challenges in school to keep up with the school work. During this time, Leia took this negative and turned it into a positive. Leia began raising money for eye cancer research, but she realized that families need direct help also. Learning from her family situation and the impact on her siblings, Leia wanted to be able to assist more. So, at the age of 18, Leia founded Leia's Kids which raises money to give to a child and family to use for what insurance won't cover- gas, parking, rent, the electric bill, etc. During the celebration of the child and family, LK honors the child's brave fight of cancer with a celebration party. Leia stays in contact with the families and encourages them and gives them emotional support for other resources that the family may use.
Leia's Princess Marygold book series brings great joy and encouragement to children with cancer and their siblings. Its companion coloring and activity book, Coloring in the Castle, is a fun, interactive book for the whole family.
Leia has also written a journal, My Battle Plan. This is a journal for the child to use while receiving treatment to keep track of emotions, treatments, and uplifting quotes to encourage the child in the biggest battle of their life. As a national speaker, Leia has also spoken about perseverance, From Virginia to Ohio, down to Texas, Leia is an inspiration to others by showing how to find the good in the hardest challenges.