Welcome to
the Lena Romano Memorial Scholarship
Honoring a Legacy of Courage, Compassion, and Hope for Future Generations in Healthcare
ABOUT THIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Lena Romano
Lena Romano was a beacon of hope, resilience, and compassion. Born on August 13, 1983, Lena’s incredible journey ended far too soon on October 7, 2023, at the age of 40, due to complications during a heart transplant surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Despite the challenges she faced throughout her life, Lena lived with unwavering strength and positivity, becoming an inspiration to countless individuals and families navigating congenital heart defects.
This scholarship was created by Lena’s family to celebrate her remarkable life, her dedication to education, and her enduring legacy of giving back to others. As one of the longest-living individuals with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Lena defied medical odds and became a source of hope for patients and healthcare providers alike. By supporting students pursuing careers in healthcare, particularly in cardiac care, this scholarship not only honors Lena’s memory but also advances the mission she embodied—helping others and creating a brighter future. Her story continues to inspire, ensuring that her impact will resonate for generations to come.
2025 Scholarship Award Progress
Your generosity is bringing us closer to our goal of awarding the 2025 Lena Romano Memorial Scholarship!
Funding
About the Scholarship Fund
The Lena Romano Memorial Scholarship was created to honor Lena’s legacy by supporting students pursuing careers in healthcare, particularly in cardiac care. This scholarship reflects Lena’s belief in the power of education and her lifelong connection to the field that gave her so many years of life.
Through this scholarship, Lena’s family seeks to:
Scholarship
How to Apply
The scholarship is awarded annually to students pursuing higher education in the healthcare field, with an emphasis on cardiac care. Applicants must demonstrate:
Process
Scholarship Fund Disbursement
The Lena Romano Memorial Scholarship ensures that all contributions directly support deserving students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Disbursement Process
Annual Deadline
The application process closes each year on April 30th.
Fund Allocation
The total funds available in the scholarship account as of May 1st will be reviewed by the scholarship committee.
Recipient Announcement
The scholarship recipient will be selected and announced in mid-May each year.
Disbursement
Funds will be distributed in a single payment to the recipient in June.
Discretion of the Award Committee
The scholarship committee reserves the right to determine the exact amount disbursed based on available funds and the needs of the recipient. This approach ensures responsible management of the scholarship fund.
Safe Donation
How You Can Help
Lena’s legacy continues through the generosity of those who support this scholarship. Your contributions help ensure her memory lives on, providing opportunities for future healthcare professionals to achieve their dreams.