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Lea Marie Farone Foundation

Lea Marie Farone Foundation

Helping children and young adults with chronic illness do the things they dream of doing.

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Meet the Lea Marie Faraone Foundation

Cultivating courage, fostering freedom

Our Story

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 icon

Grant recipients gain access to cutting-edge treatments that enhance life, instead of hindering it.

Fundraising Events

Fundraising events build community while benefitting grant recipients and medical research.

Scholarships

Scholarships empower young women making a difference in medicine and science.

Why Wait for Wings?

What We Believe In

number 1

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.

number 2

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.

number 3

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

Laura O’Donnell

Mother to Lea / Executive Director / Co-Founder

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Laura O’Donnell

Besides her most important role of being a CF mom to Lea, Laura brings to the table more than 25 years of executive leadership in healthcare, working with major organizations such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, MedStar Health and Genesis Healthcare. Laura holds a Masters from University of Maryland Baltimore. As director, Laura has a key focus on bringing Lea’s plans, legacy, and mission to life.

Leeza Farone

Leeza Heitzman

Sister to Lea / Co-Founder / Director of Marketing & Programs

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Leeza Heitzman

Leeza has a lifetime of experience being a sister to CF fighter, Lea. She also brings a background of clinical research from Johns Hopkins University of Medicine and a degree in biochemistry from Mount St. Mary’s University. Recently, she has embarked on a new journey as a physician assistant student at the Anne Arundel Community College/ University of Maryland Baltimore Collaborative PA Program. She plans to graduate with her Masters and PA licensure by 2021, with hopes to give back her new-found medical knowledge to the Lea Marie Faraone Foundation.

Henry Faraone

Henry Faraone

Father to Lea / Co-Founder / Director of Finance & Operations

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Henry Faraone

Henry is a superhero when it comes to being a CF dad to Lea. He continues to give back to the community with more than 18 years’ experience as a teacher for students with special needs at Sheppard Pratt Health System. He holds a certification in special education from the University of Maryland University College. Henry has committed himself to drive Lea’s legacy with the Lea Marie Faraone Foundation to a national level.

Why Wait for Wings?

Find support or contribute to our initiatives

Discover all the ways you can get involved with the LMFF mission.

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Follow Us

leamariefaraonefoundation

Today is #GivingTuesday. 🙏 This is a day to su Today is #GivingTuesday. 🙏 
This is a day to support Lea’s mission. This is a day to make a difference in someone’s life. This is a day to give back because so many of us have so much in our lives to be grateful for. 

Every donation big and small counts. This year, we’d like to THANK YOU for making a donation so for every $50 donation you make, you’ll receive either an LMF Foundation hat, t-shirt, or a mug. Select the item of your choice when making your donation via the link in our bio!

Share this post with someone who can help us make a difference this year! 🩷
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#givingtuesday #giveback #givingseason #makeadifference #donatenow #nonprofit #medicalnonprofit #makeadifference #givehope #bethechange #CysticFibrosis #CFWarrior #CFAwareness #CureCF #CFCommunity #BreatheEasy #FightCF #CFAware #CFResearch #CFAdvocacy #leamariefaraone #leamariefaraonefoundation
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, a day to come together Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, a day to come together and make a real difference. 🙏🩷 It’s not just about helping children—it’s about lifting up entire families, giving them the chance to build a better life. If you’re a parent in need, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here for you. And if you’re a parent who can lend a hand, your support this month can truly change lives.
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#givingtuesday #giveback #makeadifference #givingseason #donatenow #nonprofit #philanthropy #bethechange #togetherwecan #givehope #CysticFibrosis #CFWarrior #CFAwareness #CureCF #CFCommunity #BreatheEasy #FightCF #CFAware #CFResearch #CFAdvocacy #baltimorenonprofit #leamariefaraone #leamariefaraonefoundation
Sharing a few things we're thankful for today and Sharing a few things we're thankful for today and everyday. 🩷🙏 From our family to yours, wishing you a Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving. 
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#thankfulgratefulblessed #ThankfulThursday #Thanksgiving #cfcommunity #leamariefaraone #leamariefaraonefoundation
This Giving Tuesday, make a difference that lasts This Giving Tuesday, make a difference that lasts a lifetime. 🙏 Your support helps us continue our mission of helping children and young adults living with chronic illnesses like cystic fibrosis live a better quality of life. Together, we can make a difference. 

Save this post so you remember to give back on December 3! Now share this post with someone so we can make an impact together this year. 🙌🩷
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#givingtuesday #givingseason #giveback #makeadifference #whywaitforwings #cysticfibrosislife #chronicillness #nonprofit #cysticfibrosisawareness #curecf #cfawareness #donatelife #baltimorenonprofit #chronicillnessawareness #medicalnonprofit #cysticfibrosisisstrong #nonprofitorganization #baltimore #breatheasy #fightcf #cfcommunity #leamariefaraone #leamariefaraonefoundation

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The Lea Marie Faraone Foundation is a 501c(3) providing life changing opportunities to children and young adults fighting chronic illness so they may live as if they are illness-free.


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