Leah Szczepanski

Leah was a healthy and active 19-year-old girl when she unexpectedly passed away in her sleep in July, 2023.

 

It took us almost a year to find out any information, when we eventually discovered through genetic testing that Leah likely passed away from LQTS in her sleep. We were told that Leah had a new genetic mutation for LQTS, as it was not inherited from either of her parents.

 

Leah had just finished her freshman year at the University of Georgia and was working as a Georgia 4-H camp counselor for her second summer. It was an active job and Leah was a waterfront counselor which involved teaching sailing and canoeing, as well as being the head lifeguard to hundreds of new kids each week. Leah loved her job and would not have wanted to be anywhere else. On the very last night of camp in 2023, Leah had her car and bags packed to come home the next morning. Unbeknownst to her, she would never get to come home, and did not wake up the next morning.

 

We were never aware of any heart condition that Leah had, as she was active and healthy in everything that she did. She was a Varsity cheerleader in high school, regularly worked out at the gym and was a strong swimmer and lifeguard in the summers. We hope to spread more awareness of this silent killer. If only we would have known that Leah had this condition, we would have done everything possible to keep her alive and healthy.

 

Leah is missed every day for her infectious smile, unforgettable laugh and witty sense of humor. She lit up any room she walked into and was a friend to so many. She was a wonderful daughter and sister, an extremely hard worker and had a strong sense of purpose and determination. We do not want Leah to be forgotten and we will continue to celebrate her life and honor her. We love you, Leah!