Leslie's Story
10/12/2014
Strength, resilience, and selflessness. These are the traits of our mother, Leslie, who has dedicated her life to helping others. It's taken all three, and then some, to get her where she is today. Our mother bravely went back to college after a divorce, while single parenting us four kids, to become an occupational therapist (OT). As an OT, Leslie focuses on helping people with a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability be as independent as possible in all areas of their lives. She customizes therapy activities specifically for each person and their goals. After working in the public schools and outpatient rehab settings, she started a private practice to specialize in sensory processing disorders that impact life for children and their families. She loves the challenge of working with kids on the autism spectrum, most of whom have sensory processing as their number one difficulty. Her clinic, KidSPOT, has been doing well in Kennewick, Washington for five years. There are very few specialized therapy options available in the area, and clients drive long distances to get the services and support that they provide. Leslie has gained an outstanding reputation for her expertise, calm and kind ways, and generosity of time.
This summer our mom was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative, Stage IV. It is aggressive. Being the “go-getter, get-it-done” kind of person that she is, she has kept working through several months of weekly chemotherapy treatments and numerous medical appointments. If cancer weren’t enough, she also has Type I diabetes to complicate matters. Even with medical insurance, treatment is very expensive and has imposed financial stress at a time when stress should be minimized.
How Your Donations Will Help:
Being self-employed, it is necessary for Leslie to continue seeing clients to generate income for overhead costs and to keep her clinic doors open. Since the side effects of chemo are cumulative, she knows there will quickly come a time when she can’t give her usual 110 percent. Being in a business partnership with physical therapist colleagues, Leslie’s share of expenses is necessary to successfully keep the clinic going. If she fails to meet her commitment, the continuation of both therapies will not be possible. It is urgent that she find a talented OT to work for her and with her clients.
The demand for occupational therapists is big, and most want to live and work in more densely populated areas than rural Eastern Washington where her clinic is located. Recruiting and paying for this private practice OT position is a lofty task. Leslie needs help to fund this search and to offer a competitive salary. Free and low cost job posting sites have not proved helpful so far. Enlisting more expensive OT associations’ recruiters would be most effective. Because of your help, when the goal is met, Leslie’s business will be able to continue free screenings for children, and serve deserving families.
Our mother's example has given us strength and courage throughout our lives. She inspires us everyday, and we are amazed by all that she does. She has always put everyone else first, and now it's time that we do the same for her. Let's help Leslie get through this difficult time, so she can continue to inspire and touch other peoples lives.
To donate, please click on the "DONATE" button located in navigation bar. If you would prefer to mail a check, please email Kim at krackenney@hotmail.com.
We are grateful for your help.
For more information on KidSPOT visit www.mykidspot.net.
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