Raising money for Big Bear Mother with cancer

   People all over the Inland Empire and mountain communities are pulling together to help a young mother from Big Bear, California who is fighting a fast-spreading cancer. Annie Leinen, 28, was diagnosed last week with Stage 4 melanoma, which has traveled to her lungs. Leinen is the mother of three sons, all under the age of four.

   Leinen was pregnant when her cancer was discovered. Because the cancer was hindering her reathing, doctors rushed to deliver her son by c-section. He was born 12 weeks premature.

   Leinen is a former resident of Menifee, CA. Her husband Mike is a firefighter with the Redlands Fire Department.

   Friends from all over Riverside County have rallied to raise money for the family. They will hold a yard sale and bake sale this Saturday, November 7 from 7 a.m. to noon in Menifee, CA, located at 27610 Watercrest Dr.

   Proceeds will go to the Leinen family, for medical expenses not covered under insurance, and for lodging for Annie’s husband and sons, who are staying near the hospital where Annie is being treated.

   “Everyone has been very deeply affected by the devastating news of Annie's diagnosis,” said friend Michelle Walsh, who spearheaded the fundraiser. “We are completely shocked that someone so young and so healthy could be afflicted by this disease at such an incredibly fast rate. Everyone is pulling together to do whatever we can to help.”

   Donations can also be made in the form of a Visa gift card. This can be brought to the yard sale, or mailed to:

Annie Leinen

c/o The Cody Family

2810 Parkway Dr

Martinez, CA 94553

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