Kristin Danielle Leeson

1986 - 2025

Kristin Danielle Leeson BS, RN

April 28, 1986 - January 4, 2025

"If you are reading this, know I have gone to be with the Lord. For my Lord, my Father, had different plans for me than I expected. I dealt with several health issues throughout my life. However, an extremely rare, aggressive sarcoma blindsided me in my mid 30s. Faced with this, I had to research for myself, advocate for myself, and combine conventional as well as alternative medicine. I never ever gave up. I outlived my 'prognosis' by years. The body follows the mind; I kept pushing forward.

My advice is to live fully. Cherish each and every breath, bite, sunrise and sunset, every bird chirp, sunbeam, and special moment. Don't put things off and plan on 'next time.' You never know… tomorrow is not guaranteed. Look inside your heart, then shine outward with love, light, and gratitude. Thank God for all the incredible blessings bestowed upon you each and every day. Make time for people and hobbies. Don't lose sight of their importance. Love your pets and be kind to animals. To the youth of today: work hard, keep trying, and never give up on your goals. Help those in need, lend a hand, a kind gesture, a smile, a prayer. Leave a positive impact on the world, even if small. Plant a tree. Plant flowers. Feed the birds, enjoy their songs and exquisite colors and patterns. If you see a hawk, think of me and know I am soaring. When you watch the sunset, know I am there. See me in the stunning colors of the sunrise. Be grateful for another God-given day.

Don't let little stuff ruffle you (basically everything except cancer). And, if faced with cancer, do your own research, listen to your gut and fight full on. There is no screening test for sarcoma. For screenable and early detectable cancers-know your risks and get screened. Don't wait to make healthy lifestyle and diet changes if you've been thinking you should. There is no time like the present."

-Kristin Leeson BS, RN

Kristin was born in Syracuse and lived her early years in Charlottesville, VA and Pittsfield, MA, returning to Syracuse in 1993. She graduated from Westhill HS in 2004. She loved music and was an accomplished singer and pianist, singing in and accompanying Concert Choir and Women's Ensemble. She ran cross country throughout high school and was co-captain her senior year, competing twice at the state championships and once at the Federation meet. She was a state ranked pole-vaulter for the track team and also competed in the high jump. She loved to ice skate and competed on figure skating precision teams in both high school and college. She also loved gymnastics, skiing, hip-hop dancing, and the sound of bagpipe bands. She loved a gourmet meal and food in general. She loved vacationing in Cape Cod every summer, loved the warm sun, waves and sand between her toes, and the many summer friends who became family. She had a wry sense of humor and did great imitations.

After graduating from Ithaca College cum laude in 2008, she attended Saint Joseph's College of nursing earning her RN in 2011. She devoted her life as a nurse to serving others and trying to alleviate their anxiety and pain to have a positive impact on their lives while in her care. She was extremely compassionate and treated her patients as she wanted to be treated herself. She worked at Saint Joseph's Hospital, initially in medicine/surgery, then inpatient psychiatry, and finally at Upstate Medical Center in breast care where she truly found her niche.

Kristin married the love of her life in 2014, Together they shared an incredible love and desire to help animals, adopting cats and dogs, spaying and neutering feral cats, and helping turtles across busy roads (always move them safely to side of road in the direction the turtle is traveling). She loved the beauty and serenity of living in the country. James loved her and supported and helped her throughout her marriage, especially through her sarcoma battle. He never left her side, caring for her to the very end.

Kristin will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and determined work ethic. She was beautiful inside and out and will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her husband, Mr. James Moore II of Auburn, NY; her mother, Dr. Susan Hume Leeson of Syracuse, NY; her father, Dr. Mark (Jessica Simkulet) Leeson of Orwigsburg, PA; her grandmother, Mrs. Natalie Hume of Harrisburg, PA, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Calling hours January 18, 2025 from 12-4 p.m. at Brew Funeral Home, 48 South St, Auburn NY, 13021. Wear your brightest colors! A Memorial Service will be held April 26, 2025 at 11-12 p.m. at St Francis of Assisi Church, 299 Clark Rd, Auburn NY 13021. A Celebration of Life will be held April 26, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. at Springside Inn, 6141 West Lake Rd, Auburn, NY 13021.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Kristin's name to:

• Kristin Leeson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Saint Joseph's College of Nursing, Saint Joseph's Foundation, 973 James Street, Suite 250, Syracuse, NY 13203 or online at https://giving.sjhsyr.org/

• Supporting Patients & Alternative Research Kristin Leeson Endowment (SPARKLE) at Upstate Hospital, Upstate Foundation, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 Make check payable to: Upstate Foundation or online at https://www.upstatefoundation.org/page.aspx?pid=298

• DNKO for Brain Cancer (Niclosamide Cancer Research) www.DNKO.net

• Any local animal rescue or rehabilitation center