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The Lifted Project Leslie Wayne Celebration
The Story
Leslie on The Lifted Project
Leslie on Home From Here
Leslie Wayne, who served as an inspiration for the entire Lifted Project, was a triumphant example of lifting others. Diagnosed with a terminal cancer, she surpassed conventional expectations of survival by years, all the while dedicating herself to serving other cancer patients as well as the rest of us by demonstrating how to life a life of gratitude instead of despair, love instead of bitterness, and glory instead of desparation. Leslie passed on July 25, 2025, leaving a legacy of the choice we have to embrace joy in any circumstance.
Leslie on Home From Here
Leslie on The Lifted Project
Leslie on Home From Here
Leslie was a frequent guest on Home From Here and attended and participated in the first two Lifted Projects. On Home From Here, she first appeared to bravely talk about what life is when you know you are going to die. She graciously reappeared for three more years, each time giving wisdom from a rare vantage point.
When asked, on her last appearance, what she had learned from life now that she was facing her transition, she just said, "It is simply this. Just be kind to each other."
Leslie on The Lifted Project
Leslie on The Lifted Project
Leslie on The Lifted Project
Leslie was an integral part of The Lifted Project, first appearing on the pilot to dance with a fellow cancer patient in defiance of her diagnosis and in compliance with her choice to embrace joy and life.
Leslie subsequently appeared on the second Lifted Project. She was the subject of an original song by Angelo Santilli and Cherilyn Bannon depicting her highest point courage, entitled and then sang with the choir for the finale of Won't Be Broken.
The Leslie Wayne Celebration.
Her Family's Wish
It is the wish of her family that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the non profit partners of The Lifted Project. Links to make tax-deductible donations to these partners are below. Please designate Leslie Wayne in your donation.
To support James's Warriors, click here
About money and The Lifted Project
The Lifted Project is an all volunteer annual event dubbed "The Hudson Valley's musical event of the year." Through the generosity and gifts of the finest Hudson Valley musicians, we support 4 non profit partners a year. We accept no money ever, rather the donations go directly to our partners, as we lift them, and our audience, with the power of a room full of gifted people who simply want to lift us up.