Meet our 2026 Local CMN Champion, Leysa!

At 8 years old, Leysa's world changed with a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The once energetic girl became withdrawn and fatigued, and then had to adjust to constant monitoring and insulin injections. The Pediatric Diabetes Clinic at Salinas Valley Health's Diabetes & Endocrine Center became her source of care and comfort, providing education, resources, and encouragement to help her family navigate this journey.

​Today, at 14, Leysa is thriving. With courage and determination, she has embraced her diagnosis and found strength in managing it. Leysa is a true multi-talent! She performs folklorico, creates art, bakes, and runs her own small business making custom cups. When she's not busy creating, she loves spending time with her dogs.

​While Leysa lives with Type 1 Diabetes, she refuses to let it define her. Instead, she uses her experience to share the incredible impact of our local Children's Miracle Network Program. Thanks to donations, Children's Miracle Network helps hospitals like Salinas Valley Health provide life-saving care, innovative treatments, and vital equipment, giving kids like Leysa the chance to grow up strong and chase their dreams.

Leysa is proud to represent the countless children in our tri-county area who benefit from our local Children's Miracle Network program every year. Through her journey at Salinas Valley Health, she has shown that with the right support and resilience, you can turn any challenge into a story of inspiration.

Leysa and her family look forward to sharing the impactful pediatric programs and services made possible by local donations. Whether you give at the register of one of our CMNH corporate partners like Panda Express, Ace Hardware, or Costco, or you participate in events like the gaming fundraiser Extra Life, all donations raised stay in our community, helping kids like Niko every day.