On December 3rd, 2023, at 7:08 pm CST, the world lost an extraordinary soul when Leslie Fitzgerald Doll’s life ended in an accident, moments after sharing a warm goodbye with her parents after dinner. Her passing sent waves of grief literally throughout the world, touching the countless lives she had transformed with her radiant spirit and boundless determination.

Leslie’s remarkable journey faced its first challenge on December 23rd, 1968. During a fierce blizzard, her mother Emilia awoke to find five-month-old Leslie in the throes of spinal meningitis—shaking, convulsing, and not breathing. In what would become the first of many moments showing how fate and love intertwined through Leslie’s life, her father Bill’s recent knowledge of infant CPR saved his precious daughter while they waited for paramedics to navigate the snow-covered streets.

When tests later revealed Leslie had suffered a profound hearing loss of over 80% in both ears, her devoted parents made the courageous decision to help Leslie speak and “hear” without sign language. She became an expert at reading lips, and later in life, a cochlear implant enhanced her hearing. Throughout her journey, she found joy in music, sounds, and ultimately, the peaceful quiet of her home.

Where others saw limitations, Leslie saw possibilities. Fighting stigma and sometimes ridicule, she flourished spectacularly—becoming a ballet, tap, and flamenco dancer who “heard” music through vibration, earning her college degree and MBA, embracing her passion as a Star Wars enthusiast, delighting others as a cook and entertainer extraordinaire, exploring as a world traveler, competing as a marathoner and Ironman triathlete, and most importantly, serving as a loving daughter, beloved wife, cherished sister/sister-in-law, cousin to many, and friend to hundreds.

Leslie’s eyes were always drawn to the sky and stars. After her sister Carol took her to see Star Wars in 1977, she watched it over 200 times, nurturing her love of flying and space. She shared precious moments as co-pilot with her father Bill, and drew inspiration from her family’s rich aviation legacy, including pilot’s uncle Colonel Joe Daneu, cousin Colonel Karen Daneu (first female flying squadron commander in the USAF), cousin CAPT Greg Eaton, and her husband Colonel Mark Doll. Her dream of becoming the first deaf female astronaut took flight when she sat in Karen’s T-38 Talon in Minot, North Dakota.

Leslie’s perseverance, her unwavering spirit of “no matter what, I’ll get it done,” lives on in The Leslie Way ASF Scholarship Fund. Through this legacy, future scholars will carry forward her inspiring message: dream big, live large, and have no regrets—changing the world in ways that would make Leslie proud.

As dedicated supporters of ASF, Carol, John, and Mark joined together in their grief to create something beautiful—a legacy that would not only honor Leslie’s extraordinary spirit but continue her life’s work of changing the world. The Leslie Way ASF Scholarship Fund emerges from their love, providing $300,000 to support ASF scholars who, like Leslie, dare to dream of transforming our world.

Leslie’s unwavering perseverance, her signature “no matter what, I’ll get it done” determination, mirrors the spirit found in so many ASF scholars. Through this fund, her inspiring approach to life—tackling challenges with grace, courage, and unstoppable drive—will continue to light the way for future generations of dreamers and doers.

Mark, Carol, and John, though heartbroken by their loss, feel deeply honored to carry Leslie’s legacy forward through supporting these promising scholars. Their commitment extends far beyond funding—they pledge their time, wisdom, and mentorship to nurture a community of service that will flourish for generations to come. This hands-on, wholehearted approach to supporting others embodies “The Leslie Way”—living boldly, loving deeply, and lifting others up along the journey.

Their dream for this fund is ambitious, just as Leslie’s dreams always were. They envision their initial contribution as just the beginning of a growing wave of support for future generations who face their own challenges with determination and hope. Leslie’s story—one of defying odds, shattering expectations, and living life to its fullest—will continue to inspire people worldwide through the achievements of these scholars. Through them, Leslie’s impact on the world will continue to grow, supported by the loving dedication of Mark, Carol, and John, who carry her spirit in their hearts as they help others reach for the stars, just as Leslie always did.