Leslie Nickels

We are starting this journal to reach out to all of our friends. work colleagues, and family who have been so much a part of Les’ and our lives. 

Many of you were aware that Les has been battling a recurrence of her breast cancer since late 2014.  Based on recent developments relating to her chemotherapy treatment, the family has made a decision over the weekend that it is time to start hospice care for Les.  

We are hopeful that the rest of her journey will be as peaceful as possible.  For those that know Les well, you can appreciate that she'd prefer that people not "make a fuss", and although we will respect her privacy, we will also try to provide her loving community with updates about how she is doing.  

Right now, we are in the transition stage from active treatment to a comfortable maintenance, so her condition has not yet stabilized.  She is still sedated for the pain and sleeping a lot.   We're not certain if we will be able to predict with any certainty when she is awake and able to talk, so those that might want to visit should send a text to Lon’s cell phone (773-914-8282), but please be patient (or then call) if unable to respond promptly.  

Posting messages for Les and the family here will be very appreciated, and we will share them all with Les whenever possible. 

Saying goodbye is never easy, but Les truly appreciated all those that sent messages, contributions, or attended last month's Health & Medicine Policy Research Group's award gala where she received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Worker Health, Safety, and Justice.  Our gratitude and love to all.  Please hug someone today whom you love on her behalf.