Remembering WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo

[TwitterQueen1]

This is a thread in remembrance of Leslie, who IRL was called Christine and who sadly died, peacefully, in her sleep, in the morning of 6th April. It’s a place for everyone to share their thoughts, memories and feelings about a lovely, inspirational woman who gave unstinting support to those with cancer. Most of us will know Leslie from the Cancer Support threads (latest one here) she led for years, offering many handholds, much reassurance and unending support, especially when newbies joined. Leslie was always kind, always gentle, always encouraging, pulling together random, disparate strangers into a loving, supportive network.

Leslie asked me to let everyone on MN know when she died. I am under instruction “not to write anything gushy or naff or say I "lost my battle"!” So no talk of soldiers, battles won, lost, fought etc. Let’s celebrate her life, short though it was, be glad that we knew her and grab laughs and loves when and where we can.

Leslie was:
• Only 28, diagnosed at 21 with (a genetic) colon cancer.
• A lifelong veggie with a HUGE love of cheese. Cake was pretty important too. Oh, and pizza. And ice cream.
• Blessed with a loving family; mum, dad and sister, plus a large network of relatives and friends. Plus 2 flippin’ big bunnies called Marigold and Juniper.
• A hooker – otherwise known as a knitter of blankets, hugs, scarves etc. She not only contributed to the lovely Woolly Hugs group here on MN but also recommended ladies with cancer for their very own Woolly Hug.
• A glitzy, glam shoe aficionado who saved her best pairs for the chemo ward
• For those curious about her user name, Leslie Knope is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation.

I asked Christine about how we might remember her. She had no suggestions other than perhaps donating to Woolly Hugs if people want to. I am happy to coordinate this.

Christine, you were a true friend to me, bringing me into the cancer support group and being my cheerleader as well as everyone else’s. You are much loved and will be so very missed. Rest in peace xx

Rest in peace Christine. You are a true star.

I’ve only just seen this thread and wanted to add my condolences too. I never had the chance to meet C in real life but got to know her through a mutual friend who sadly died 3 years ago. I’ve followed C’s lovely posts on MN and Facebook ever since and she came across as such a special lady.

She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her x

I'm very sad to read this o.used to.great support from leslie when I had breast cancer in 2016 she always remembered everyone's names what was happening with them she was great and only 28 lives cruel.i didnt look on the lacies thread for many many months now it's very very sad

RIP Lesley.

Simply an absolutely remarkable, compassionate and insightful young lady.
My thoughts are with Leslie and her family X

❤️

I have the information for anyone wanting to donate to Woolly Hugs.

Bank transfer
•We are a Cooperative account in the name of Woolly Hugs
•Account number: 65579631
•Sort code: 089299

Paypal - we are [email protected] Please note we have TWO Ls in woolly - folk get caught every time!

If you don't use PayPal, cash or a cheque payable to Woolly Hugs are perfectly ok, we can share the address if needed.

Please ask folk to say it is for Leslie

How to contact Woolly Hugs:
PM us on Mumsnet – KnottyandPistey
Email us [email protected]
Send us a message on the Woolly Hugs Facebook page.
Send us a message via Twitter @Woolly_Hugs

The lovely people who run WH, along with her family, will be creating a special way of remembering Leslie.

I have been trying to think of what to say, when so many people have expressed so wonderfully already, what a truly remarkable woman Leslie was. My interactions with her were fleeting, but she provided me with great wisdom at a time of great sadness, and I will never forget her kindness.

I have followed these threads ever since, and the courage and humanity shown by all of the wonderful lacies, is humbling to me. But I think if there is one thing Christine showed me, it is to keep talking. There is such comfort to be had in the mundane as well as the significant things in life, and you never know how much it might help you or someone else if they can join the conversation or listen to your experiences. Also you can never have too many pet photos.

Christine was so honest and open about her end of life experience. People don't usually share or talk about death, and yet she did talk about it. She spoke about in the same way she shared stories about knitting and recipes and the rest of her cancer treatment. Its utterly remarkable, and I am certain her words will provide huge comfort to future readers for a long time to come, as a consequence of her determination to share every part of her cancer experiences for as long as possible.

The world will be a much quieter place without christine in it. I do hope the lacies stick together and keep talking on here for many many years to come. Sleep well Leslie. We will miss you and think of you often x

I'm so pleased Leslie came into the barn/ninja threads. I would always look for her and chat because I enjoyed talking to her very much, I loved hearing what amazing food she'd been making or tucking into and always making me do real life smiles. Always compassionate and always selfless, Christine you're a beautiful woman and I will miss you very much. My thoughts and prayers will truly be with her family- she was an absolute superstar through and through.

This is devastating news.
Thoughts are with all of Christine's friends and family

Rip Christine. Your posts were always thoughtful and positive.

Leslie...the spirit of our cancer support group. I am beyond sad. I am so sorry I was away and didn't match your magnanimity.
I never knew you in person. I just find out your real name, but you were an inspirational, compassionate companion on the rough and inhospitable road.
You will not be forgotten. For me, and many many others, your struggle is entwined with ours. You inspired us, cared, asked about us and never complained. A light has gone our, but you've brought eternal light within our hearts.
This place could never be the same again without you, but it will continue because of you.
Rest painlessly In peace lovely lacie..

Lovely Leslie. Now you're infinitely infinitely awesome. I'd like to bet that some of your atoms are already out in the universe, reassuring and comforting other atoms and knitting them quantum scarves...

We've never met, but over the years I've come to love you just as much as people who are physically in my life. You've been such a constant source of comfort and knowledge, and your kindness and uniquely gentle words will stay with me forever.

To Leslie's family if you read this. I'm so sorry your precious girl has been taken by this cruel disease. Her life was too short, but her presence was enormous, and probably global. People on the other side of the world know who she was, were helped by her and will never forget her, because she took the time and the care and the effort to make a difference. An incredible, wonderful person.

Love to all the Lacies.

I’ve been struggling to find the words since I read the news about our Leslie... I have been part of the cancer support threads since I was diagnosed in May last year, and am just one more person who she touched, comforted, encouraged and consoled during my cancer journey... I am so very grateful to her for everything she brought to the those threads, and I’m in awe reading about her life elsewhere on Mumsnet and beyond. She will remain in my head and my heart for a very long time. She spoke with so much love about her mum and dad and sister, who must be extraordinary people to have raised such a wise and compassionate soul. I hope they are able to feel, and perhaps take some comfort in the love that so many have for Leslie here.

Leslie/Christine

For every MNetter you knew there was another behind the scenes whom you tounched and inspired with your selflessness.

God Speed Miss Knope, the world is a sadder place without you.

I will never forget you Leslie (Christine.) During my family’s run in with cancer over the last two years you have made such an impact on me. Your kindness and strength shone through over and over again x

Be at peace dear Leslie/Christine

you did so much good and are so loved!

I am so sorry for your family's loss and I hope that reading these posts gives some comfort

xxx

So so sorry to hear this news.
Genuinely don't know what to say. Just so sorry. Sweet Lesley

Christines family, you did such a wonderful job of taking care of her, it shone through in everything she had to say about you. You're all amazing.

I only knew her via Woolly Hugs, but she sounds like such a wonderful person , and helped so many others .
Many condolences to her family and friends

@TwitterQueen1, will we be making a blanket for Leslie’s family?

Stitching Plans are afoot but we need to some to establish what Christine's family would most appreciate and the best way for Woolly Hugs to support.

Fab, I’ll keep my eyes peeled x Thank u.

I think Leslie has a Woolly Hug.

Yes she had a lovely colourful blanket she posted it on the thread I knew her from.

Yes Leslie had a WH but these are more memorial blankets for her family, with specific squares to remember her by, eg rabbits and shoes.

Her family may or may not want a WH. Any monies donated for Leslie won't go into creating a WH for her (we do that voluntarily and with love), they will go into a project under discussion and yet to be decided. We're trying to think of the best and most appropriate way to remember Leslie - maybe setting up a fund to help people buy wool to knit and crochet blankets for example. Or how to provide some kind of comfort to teens and young adults with cancer....