Meet the Lea Marie Faraone Foundation
Cultivating courage, fostering freedom
Taking Flight
Our Story
When young Lea Marie Faraone was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, everything changed for her family. Suddenly, they had to think through each detail of their lives in terms of CF. Despite their fears and questions, they decided to live as “normally” and fully as possible.
As Lea grew older, she embraced this mindset. She became a public figure and a passionate advocate who lived the life she wanted, touching thousands of other lives along the way. She dreamt of creating her own foundation that would help improve quality of life for young people with CF and other chronic illnesses.
Lea passed away on December 13, 2018 while waiting for a transplant, but her vision forges forward today. The Lea Marie Faraone Foundation was born to fulfill her dream of helping others with chronic illness live life to the fullest each day, rather than waiting for a cure. Because no one should wait for wings to fly.
Our Impact
Improving the Quality of the Present
We help children and young adults with chronic illness do the things they dream of doing, big and small.
Grant recipients gain access to cutting-edge treatments that enhance life, instead of hindering it.
Fundraising events build community while benefitting grant recipients and medical research.
Scholarships empower young women making a difference in medicine and science.
Why Wait for Wings?
What We Believe In
There’s power in community
We want families to feel like they have a trusted place to go whenever they’re looking for support. When you’re in our circle, you’re part of the LMFF family too.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
We believe those with chronic illnesses should do the same things we all do. Sometimes it requires a little creativity and innovation but, together, we can make it happen.
Immediate impact on quality of life
Our programs provide life-changing outcomes in the short term. You can see the result of donations as young people embrace more of the everyday things that make life beautiful.
Meet The Team
A family-founded organization
We embrace our initiatives with our whole hearts and souls. Since we’re completely volunteer-run, every dollar goes straight to the mission.
Laura O’Donnell
Mother to Lea / Executive Director / Co-Founder
Leeza Heitzman
Sister to Lea / Co-Founder / Director of Marketing & Programs
Henry Faraone
Father to Lea / Co-Founder / Director of Finance & Operations
Why Wait for Wings?
Find support or contribute to our initiatives
Discover all the ways you can get involved with the LMFF mission.
