About
ARTIST Finding inspiration and solace through creative expression, Leslie's artwork gives voice to her experiences as a woman, daughter, wife, mother, patient and survivor. MORE
AUTHOR "The close encounter with the shimmering soul of poet and visual artist Leslie Neustadt will leave each fortunate reader with the taste of honey soaked challah in their mouths…" MORE
SPEAKER An accomplished and sought after speaker, Leslie weaves poetry and art into her speeches about living with cancer and chronic illness, and other life topics. For upcoming events, click MORE
“We fear the visibility without which we cannot truly live…and that visibility which makes us most vulnerable is that which also is the source of our greatest strength.”
STANDING BY MY STORY
I am the longest lived woman in my nuclear family; my mother died at 54, my younger sister at 45. Since I have an incurable form of blood cancer and amyloidosis, another potentially fatal condition, I do not assume that I shall reach old age. My body already bears the hallmarks that many only experience in their eighties and nineties. It is hard to age prematurely. I often lack compassion for my body which has endured so much. But there are many times I feel feisty, even girlish regardless of my physical condition.
I am blessed to have outlived my original prognosis and have removed the expiration date from my forehead. Yet I have suffered enough to know that there will come a time when I will be ready to bid my body adieu and cease the treatments that have worn me down even as they have allowed me to survive. Audre Lord has taught me that silence will not protect me and that our vulnerability is also our greatest strength. I am committed to being both visible and vulnerable and pray that others may be touched by my life experiences.
Artwork and book cover photos this page by Joan Heffler Photography