Just Add Salt offers a raw and inspiring look at a single mother’s fight to save her daughter while finding strength through creativity, family, and food.

Grace Rose was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a progressive disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. Her battle with the condition shapes a story of perseverance, as her mother, Leah, navigates the daily challenges of raising a child with a life-threatening illness.

The title reflects the genetic salt imbalance in those with CF, emphasizing the vital role of food and nutrition in their journey.

Weaving fashion, philanthropy, and theater into their lives as creative survival tools, Leah and Grace Rose redefine what’s possible for those with CF. The book explores their evolving relationship, the medical advancements enabling new independence, and the healing power of shared meals.

Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, Los Angeles, and New York, Just Add Salt blends memoir with recipes, offering a testament to strength, hope, and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.

Born in New Orleans, Leah’s life has been defined by resilience and creativity. After studying at FIT in New York, she worked in Hong Kong’s fashion industry before launching her own clothing company in Los Angeles, eventually opening stores in L.A. and New Orleans. After evacuating during Hurricane Katrina with her two-year-old daughter, who has Cystic Fibrosis, she returned to L.A. for specialized care, balancing her growing design business with CF advocacy. With her daughter, Grace-Rose, she co-founded Rosie G and launched The Grace Rose Foundation to support CF and youth mental health. Most recently, Leah authored a memoir sharing her journey and looks forward to expanding her creative and storytelling work.