❊ The "LIV" in LIVS
Meet Leah Isabelle Velasquez (LIV)
2010 – 2024
Leah was pure light — vibrant, creative, witty, and endlessly curious. She left an indelible mark through her art, her humor, and her love for everyone around her. She lived with a passion and brilliance far greater than her years.
In July 2022, 12-year-old Leah was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. Over the course of 17 months, she faced radiation, surgery, therapies, and clinical trials with extraordinary courage.
"Cancer touched her life, but it never defined her — her spirit, love, and creativity always shone brighter."
— Leah's FamilyIn the midst of treatment, Leah discovered comfort and joy in crafting, eventually launching her own shop, LIVArtsandCrafts. On January 6, 2024 — just days before her 14th birthday — Leah's battle came to an end.
Her family now carries forward her spirit, creativity, and strength through this nonprofit — honoring Leah's legacy and bringing hope to children and families facing the same battle.
❊ Our Mission
Our mission is to walk beside children with cancer and their families, honoring every child's story and amplifying their voice through awareness, advocacy, and action. We embrace creativity in all its forms — storytelling, books, and hands-on art — as pathways to resilience, healing, and joy. Together with partners and fellow advocates, we expand access to essential resources and supports, helping children and families find comfort, connection, and hope throughout every chapter of their journey.
❊ Our Vision
A world where every child with cancer and their family is supported with compassion, empowered through community and resources, and uplifted by creativity and hope throughout their journey.
❊ The People Behind the Mission
Meet Our Team
Blanca is the heart of LIVS Creative Legacy. As Leah's mother, she experienced firsthand the isolation, fear, and lack of resources that families face during a child's cancer journey. She co-founded the organization to ensure that no family walks that road alone — channeling her grief into purpose and her love for Leah into lasting change.
Virgilio brings a father's perspective and unwavering commitment to the mission. Having witnessed Leah's courage throughout her 17-month battle with DIPG, he continues to honor her memory by supporting the organization's work and ensuring her spirit guides every decision made in her name.
Marta keeps LIVS Creative Legacy running with care and precision. As Leah's aunt and a co-founder, she brings both a deep personal connection to the mission and the operational expertise to turn it into action — from coordinating toy drives to managing the day-to-day work that makes each initiative possible.
Maria leads the organization's advocacy work at the state and federal levels, fighting for greater awareness and funding for childhood cancer research. A co-founder and member of CURE Childhood Cancer's Young Professional Leadership Council, she has successfully secured Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month proclamations in Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia.
Stefano oversees the financial stewardship and development strategy of LIVS Creative Legacy, ensuring that every dollar donated is put to work effectively. As Leah's uncle, he is committed to building an organization that is both financially sustainable and deeply accountable to the families it serves.