Leslie Weed — HEAL-ing every day, Receiving the Light to Give the Light

When Leslie’s youngest daughter, Lanier, was almost two years old, she noticed distinct developmental and emotional changes. Lanier drastically shifted from normal function and growth into a space where Leslie knew something wasn’t right. After months of chasing doctors, experiencing severe emotions and breakdowns in Lanier, and finally getting the attention needed, Lanier was diagnosed with autism — a diagnosis at the time that didn’t have a lot of research or clarity behind it. So, Leslie became the woman who found it. She used her voice, her hands, her feet, her heart and her faith to be guided into something bigger. 

The HEAL Foundation was created as a result of Leslie knowing that all families of autism needed support. She knew she had received the Light; and she wanted to give it to others. First, she put her attention on camps and classroom financial support for autistic kids. And then incredible fundraisers and galas, inviting celebrities like Jenny McCarthy and thousands of guests through the years. Fundraising has allowed the purchase of hundreds of iPads to support autistic children in unlocking their voices.  Now, Lanier at age 23,  is capable of ‘speaking’ through her iPad and does so with profound intelligence and wisdom. The documentary, Unlocked by Henry Corra, will feature Lanier's story and will be released next year. This is Leslie’s extraordinary story of faith and perseverance — and her greatest joy of creating and serving through HEAL. 

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

How to persevere, pray and playHow deep and wide is a momma’s loveWhat choice we have in the midst of chaosWhy creatively giving is fully livingHow intentionally serving directs the next stepWhat matters is serving and sharing all you have

Resources:

One Creative Act’s Instagram: @onecreativeactMary Lyn Jenkin’s Instagram: @marylynbigfishBig Fish Co.’s Instagram: @livebigfishcoBig Fish Co.’s Website: livebigfishco.com Leslie’s Instagram: @leslieweedLeslie’s Facebook: Leslie Hale Weed HEAL Foundation’s Instagram: @heal_foundation HEAL Foundation’s Website: healautismnow.org