Leah’s Legacy
July 7, 2025
[A note from PCNA]
[We are grateful to be sharing the lived experience of Connor and Jen who have documented their personal journey with pancreatic cancer up until Connor’s passing in October 2024, to help other families cope with the challenges of this disease.
This blog article is from a series of content pieces written by these remarkable people.]
Turning grief into action: Leah’s Legacy for early detection
At just 52 years old, Leah Crescenzo was the picture of health - active, vibrant, and full of life. But in January 2023, she began experiencing persistent discomfort. By May, her pain had intensified to the point that she visited the emergency room, where she received a devastating diagnosis: pancreatic cancer.
Just four months later, on September 20, 2023, Leah passed away, her journey heartbreakingly brief.
Leah’s story reflects a growing crisis. Research shows that an increasing number of women under 55 are being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. With no reliable early screening tests, advancing research into early detection is one of our highest priorities.
Determined to turn their grief into purpose, Leah’s family established the Leah’s Legacy Memorial Walk to honour her life and help drive change. Now in its third year, the event has raised $35,000 to date, in support of earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
“Through this event, we hope to raise awareness and funds for early detection and screening initiatives,” says Leah’s twin sister, Laura Fogliato. “No family should have to go through what ours did.”
Read more stories like Leah's in our 2024 Impact Report
