One way she's doing that is by helping to raise funds for the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer.

"I really believe in the cancer center here and not having to go to Boston or further for treatments," she said.

So with the help of local cancer survivors, supporters and those affected by cancer, Leonard created the 2013 "Man Up to Cancer" calendar.

"Finding men [that are cancer survivors] for the calendar was the hard part, not because they're not out there but because they don't talk about it. They're not as open to it," said Leonard.

All of the calendar photos were taken at the salon, outside of the cancer center or at the Team Irish MMA Fitness Academy on Abbott Street in Brewer. Leonard's goal is to raise a minimum of at least $10,000.

"I need to sell 700 calendars in order to reach our goal," explained Leonard. "And the holidays are the perfect time to buy calendars. They're the perfect gift."

The calendars cost $20 and can be found at Maine Savings Bank branches, L Factor salon in Brewer, the Bangor Brewer Athletic Club and Union Street Athletics.

"I think the best part of the project is how it connects you to the community," said Leonard. "I want to inspire more men to come forward and man up to cancer and others to just get involved and give back to the community."

To check out some of the photos featured in the calendar, log onto Leonard's Man Up to Cancer Facebook page.