Leia’s Kids is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing hope and joy to children, young adults, and families in the fight against childhood cancer. The organization accomplishes its mission by offering financial grants to ease the burden of medical expenses, hosting family dream parties that create unforgettable memories, organizing Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) mental health retreats to support emotional well-being, raising awareness about childhood cancer, and providing essential resources to guide families through their challenging journeys.
Leia’s Kids is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #82-3212936). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
Leia T. Hunt Toellner is a two-time childhood cancer survivor, Leia’s journey began when she was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer, at just two years old. Her fight against the disease involved 26 surgical procedures, numerous rounds of chemotherapy, and the insertion of a radioactive isotope in her left eye. Although the radiation successfully eradicated the cancer, it also left Leia blind in that eye.
Despite these challenges, Leia’s experiences fueled her passion to make a difference. At the age of 18, while still a senior in high school, she founded Leia’s Kids, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer. Through Leia’s Kids, Leia has been able to provide financial assistance, advocacy, warrior parties, and mental health retreats for children, teens, and young adults across the nation.
In addition to her work with Leia’s Kids, Leia is an inspirational speaker, podcast host, mental health advocate, educator, and author of several books, including What Is Cancer, My Battle Plan Journal, Princess Marygold and the Royal Tea Party, and Princess Marygold Coloring In the Castle. Her advocacy extends beyond her non-profit work, as she collaborates with organizations such as the Eye Tumor Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the We C Hope Foundation. Leia works closely with Pharmaceutical companies and actively speaks at The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) global conference. Furthermore, she plays an active role in advocating for pediatric cancer research and awareness at both the state and federal levels, including speaking annually at the White House for the Cancer Moonshot initiative.
Leia’s dedication and resilience have not only impacted countless lives but have also contributed to significant advancements in pediatric cancer legislation, ensuring that childhood cancer remains a priority in state cancer plans across the country.
Leia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her academic background in education complements her work as an advocate, educator, and author, allowing her to connect with children and young adults on a deeper level. Through her non-profit, Leia’s Kids, and her various educational initiatives, she leverages her expertise to empower young minds and provide crucial support to those facing the challenges of childhood cancer.
Program Manager
Liana Lauterbach Penfold has been a full-time member of the Leia’s Kids family since 2020, serving as Program Coordinator. With a heart for children and families, she helps organize and oversee outreach programs that bring hope and joy to kids fighting childhood cancer.
Liana holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington. Before joining Leia’s Kids, she worked in education, where she developed a passion for empowering young learners and creating meaningful connections within her community.
Outside of her work with the charity, Liana is the owner of Honey Events, a party planning company known for its creative, joyful celebrations. When she’s not planning events or serving families, she loves spending time with her daughter, Micah Joy, and her wonderful husband, Corey.
Event Coordinator
Kelly Hunt serves as the Event Coordinator for Leia’s Kids Mental Health Retreats, where she combines her medical background and compassion for others to create meaningful, restorative experiences for families navigating pediatric cancer journeys.
A licensed Physician Assistant with a deep understanding of mental and emotional wellness, Kelly brings both clinical insight and a caring touch to every event she plans. Her attention to detail and heart for service help make each retreat a place of connection, healing, and hope.
When she’s not coordinating retreats, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and finding creative ways to promote mental health and balance in everyday life.
Gala Chair
Morgan Phelps is the founder of Sage Creatives, a fractional CMO and advertising agency that helps businesses align their marketing with sustainable growth. With deep expertise in strategy, advertising, and business transformation, Morgan empowers organizations through values-driven leadership and creative vision.
As Gala Chair for Leia’s Kids, Morgan brings her strategic mindset and heart for service to life, leading the planning and execution of the organization’s annual fundraising gala. She has been proudly involved with Leia’s Kids for several years, dedicating her time, creativity, and leadership to supporting families affected by childhood cancer.
Grounded in faith, family, and community, Morgan leads with honesty, resilience, and purpose—committed to making a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.
President
Treasurer & Secretary
Events & Community Engagement
Darrell Barnes, co-owner of Gather McKinney, a wedding and event center in Texas, is deeply passionate about supporting children battling life-threatening illnesses—a cause close to his heart as his wife’s child faced a cancer diagnosis. A Navy veteran and business leader, Darrell is actively engaged in the McKinney community through his work with the McKinney Chamber of Commerce and various nonprofits. His dedication to service and personal connection to cancer drive his commitment to making a meaningful difference for families in need.
Business Development & Consulting
Bryan Agnello, born and raised in Norfolk, VA. Owner of a Minuteman Press franchise that has been in business going on 35 years. Proud supporter of Leias Kids since the beginning.
Political Advocacy & Fundraising
Brian Livingston is a 20+ year commercial banker currently employed at B1 Bank in Frisco at the Commercial Banking Director. Brian is also in his 3rd term as a Frisco City Councilman and previously served as the city’s Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. Brian has been married to his wife, Brittany, for 18 years and has 2 beautiful daughters, Lauren age 16 and Reagan age 13. His passion for cancer research and helping those with cancer comes from losing his parents to pancreatic cancer and kidney cancer at early ages.a
Strategic Planning Chair
Anita Reynolds is a healthcare advocate whose journey began with the Patient Advocate Foundation while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. Holding many diverse roles, including bilingual medical intake coordinator, bilingual fertility case manager, administrative coordinator, and relationship manager for patient programs, she showcased her dedication to patients. Now, as the manager of grassroots and community partnerships at the National Patient Advocate Foundation, Anita channels her expertise into fostering collaborations at the grassroots level, empowering communities to advocate for improved healthcare access. She collaborates closely with local organizations to amplify patient voices nationwide.
While originally from Miami, Anita’s relocation to Virginia followed her husband Christopher’s military career in the United States Air Force. Alongside her professional pursuits, Anita takes great pride in her role as a devoted mother to her daughter Kylie and son Alexander.
The Leia’s Kids Junior Board empowers high school and college students to become compassionate leaders, using creativity, advocacy, and service to bring joy, hope, and community to children fighting cancer.
The Junior Board exists to give young people a meaningful way to join the fight against childhood cancer. Through hands-on projects, virtual outreach, and peer-led fundraising, members help amplify the mission of Leia’s Kids while building leadership skills, fostering community, and creating moments of joy for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Meghan MacEntee
Ava Parsons
Ava Bedard
Aheira Jeff
Waverly McCauley
Katelyn Palmateer
Natalie Ferracioli
Bella Peters
Danielle Robertson
Haleigh Werner
Reagan Harris