In 2010, just months after Carson Leslie took his final breath, Carson’s family launched the Carson Leslie Foundation honoring his last whispered wish, “Make sure they study those tumors in my brain and help the next kid with cancer.” Annette, Carson’s mom, promised Carson she would do everything she could to honor his wish. 

Fifteen years later, as co-founder of the Carson Leslie Foundation, Annette Leslie announced her retirement. As we look back at her years of relentless advocacy that turned a mother’s promise into a national force, Annette has not just been the co-founder; she has been the heartbeat of the Carson Leslie Foundation. 

Changing the Landscape of Research 

Annette’s impact is not only in Texas, but nationally, and is measured in millions of dollars raised and directed into childhood cancer research.  

Her work with the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has been revolutionary. 

• A Seat at the Table: Serving on the $6B CPRIT Childhood Cancer Advisory Council since 2011, Annette advocated for CPRIT to increase their childhood cancer research budget to become a priority and celebrated when CPRIT increased their budget from 3% to 13%. Then, CPRIT named their conference room in Austin, Texas the “Carson Leslie Conference Room,” with photos of Carson proudly on display! 
• Researchers RoundUp: In 2022, together with CPRIT, the Carson Leslie Foundation launched Researchers RoundUp, bringing Texas’ brightest childhood clinicians and investigators together to encourage collaborations between institutions to further expand CPRIT’s investments in childhood cancer research. Ultimately, the goal is cures, early detection, and less toxic treatments for the smallest and most innocent cancer patients among us. Texas institutions that never collaborated are working together and stretching CPRIT’s investments in childhood cancer research and prevention measures even further! 

An “Unstoppable” Voice in Washington 

Annette’s advocacy extended far beyond Texas’ border. In 2011, Congressman Michael McCaul received a copy of Carson’s book, Carry Me, and invited Annette to help launch the inaugural Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus in his and Linda McCaul’s Washington, D.C. home. Since that inaugural gathering, childhood cancer federal laws have been passed, and young cancer patients are receiving more attention and less toxic treatments leading to cures.  

• Legislation that Saves Lives: Now, part of a bipartisan movement in Washington D.C., Annette, many other families affected by childhood cancer, fellow childhood cancer nonprofits, and a host of congressional Members have helped champion the passage of federal laws benefitting the overall state of childhood cancer research. 
• The Golden Toast: Annette founded and annually chairs the Golden Toast in Washington, D.C., where members of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, childhood cancer nonprofits, and young survivors gather to celebrate the passage of federal laws. A few years ago, we successfully had the White House illuminate gold during the Golden Toast!  
• Carry Me: Carson kept a journal during his valiant fight for life, and in the end, asked his mom to publish his book. So, at lightning speed and valuable connections, Carson’s book Carry Me was published six days before his passing. Over 100,000 copies have been sold, making Carry Me a best seller. Carry Me is on the hallowed shelves of the Library of Congress! 

Healing the Heart and Mind 

She ensured the Foundation funds cutting-edge research leading to cures from medulloblastoma, the disease that claimed Carson’s life. She not only worked closely with Federal legislatures, with CPRIT; she stayed devoted to local young patients and survivors. 

• Carson’s Corner: Annette filled the void where Carson was treated by establishing a dedicated teen space at Children’s Dallas, where Carson was treated. Carson’s Corner is a space where annually, over 800 teen patients find art supplies, the hottest gaming systems with newly released games, and much-needed camaraderie.
• Holistic Support: Knowing firsthand cancer is as emotionally taxing as it is physically, she launched a mental health program for teen patients across Texas.
  • She engaged the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation and developed an Under Armour Backpack Program for newly diagnosed teen patients across Texas. Under Armour backpacks are packed with essentials, a copy of Carson’s book, and fun, unexpected surprises!
  • She launched a program coined “Hearts of Gold Hootenannies!” Gold is the color of childhood cancer, like pink is for breast cancer. Every month, the Foundation delivers surprises to each young cancer patient cared for at Children’s Dallas.