Leah Chapman was a vibrant, healthy 13-year-old, who loved playing soccer, enjoyed gymnastics, running track, going to the beach and was an honor student. A few months into her 8th grade year, she was crippled from trigeminal nerve pain. It appeared on her first MRI that Leah had a trigeminal schwannoma (a benign tumor). Leah under went surgery in January of 2008 to remove the tumor, but the neurosurgeon quickly discovered it was not benign but was actually a form of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. Leah was immediately referred to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).  Leah received excellent care from the oncology team and had changed her dream of being a teacher to an oncology nurse practitioner.

Leah's treatment plan called for 4 chemotherapies for a year and daily radiation for six weeks. Leah bravely endured these treatments one day at a time. After 9 months, her tumor resisted all of these treatments and started to grow, causing her crippling pain again. Leah never gave up hope and tried three more treatment protocols to stop her cancer. She had everything to live for, a lifetime of dreams, she was only 14.

Leah, her friends, and family, quickly got involved at her school Alex's Lemonade Stand in September 2008. Thanks to organizer Riley G., they raised over $10,000. Leah was honored when she was able to attend the 2009 Lemon Ball in Philadelphia. Getting dressed up and supporting such a great cause was a dream come true for Leah.

Leah remained determined, positive and hopeful along with her parents, Ray and Christina, and younger brother Eric, that she would be able to survive this devastating illness. Leah's big smile, generous heart, courage, strength and faith during her illness will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Leah ultimately lost her life to the disease with grace on April 4th, 2009.

Written by Christina Chapman, Leah's Mother.
05/09