Leslie McLendon, known as "DJ Lady Mac," loved life, dancing and her family. She worked as a counselor at Boys Town and as a community organizer and outreach specialist for her local Community Blood Center. Leslie was 45 on Dec. 15, 2012, when she was driving with her sister and nephews to a sorority show rehearsal. Suddenly, she slumped over and had difficulty breathing. Leslie had suffered full cardiac arrest. Practicing what she preached, she was a registered organ donor. Earlier this year her sister organized the inaugural "Leslie Legacy of Love" blood drive, the most successful drive ever held in Kansas City's African American community.

Leslie's Story

Leslie Rene McLendon, affectionately known as "DJ Lady Mac," loved, darts, bowling, dancing and music, but most of all, she loved her family. "Leslie was the life of every party and she lived her life to the fullest. There was no line dance too difficult for her to master," said her mother, Diane McLendon.

Leslie worked as a counselor at Boys Town in Nebraska, as a community organizer at multiple organizations throughout Kansas City, and finally as a community outreach specialist for the Community Blood Center of Kansas City. She worked tirelessly encouraging people share the gift of life by donating blood.

On Dec. 15, 2012, Leslie was driving with her sister Ursula and her two nephews, Jodi and Jade, to a dance rehearsal for a sorority step show. Suddenly, Leslie slumped over and had difficulty breathing. At age 45, she had suffered full cardiac arrest. Ursula stopped the car, began CPR and called 911. Leslie was transported to St. Luke's Hospital, where she remained for three days in critical condition.

"Our lives turned upside down when the physicians informed us that she had no brain activity and it did not look good for her survival," Diane recalled.

The family was later informed that Leslie was brain dead. However, she practiced what she preached: known for coordinating blood donation drives, Leslie has also registered as an organ donor. Her commitment made the donation decision easier for her family. On Dec. 20, 2012, Leslie shared her greatest gift of all: the gift of life.

Leslie has continued to make an impact in her community. On March 12, 2013, her sister organized the inaugural "Leslie Legacy of Love" blood drive, the most successful drive ever held in Kansas City's African American community. The church where she was a member also held a blood drive in Leslie's memory that was a complete success. Hers is a remarkable living legacy.