At just 16 years old, Leanne Joyce had already achieved more than many adults , a nationally ranked jump roper, competitive swimmer, gymnast, and honors student taking multiple AP classes. But what makes her story truly remarkable is how she turned personal adversity into a nationwide mission to bring joy to sick teenagers.
Born with a congenital heart condition , aortic valve stenosis — Leanne knew from an early age that her heart wasn’t functioning normally. Still, she led an active, athletic life until age 12, when her cardiologist delivered devastating news: she could no longer compete. The physical strain could be life-threatening, and valve replacement surgery was inevitable in her future.
Rather than let that diagnosis define her, Leanne decided to create something meaningful. She founded Positive Impact for Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting hospitalized teens. Since its launch, the organization has raised over $64,000 to provide age-appropriate gifts to teens undergoing medical treatment, with a bold goal of hitting $100,000 by her high school graduation.
Interview with Leanne Joyce
Girls With Ideas: Tell us about your athletic background. When did you begin training, and how far did you go in competition?
Leanne: I began serious training for competitive jump rope at age eight. My three- and four-person teams placed second and third in several events at Nationals for our age group.
Girls With Ideas: Were you always aware of your heart condition? Do doctors know when you’ll need surgery?
Leanne: I was diagnosed at birth, so I grew up knowing I had a heart issue. That said, I felt healthy and never had symptoms. I have check-ups and cardiac tests twice a year, but the timeline for surgery is still uncertain.
Girls With Ideas: How did you process being told you could no longer compete?
Leanne: It was a total shock. Just a month before, I had competed at Nationals and felt completely fine. Sports were my world, so losing them felt like losing my identity. I was devastated and struggled to find purpose. But by the next month, October 2011, I redirected my energy into founding Positive Impact for Kids. All the drive I had for training, I put into building something new.
Girls With Ideas: Do you still keep in touch with your teammates?
Leanne: Definitely. Some are still my best friends. I attend local qualifiers and cheer them on. It can be bittersweet, I’m happy for their success, but part of me wishes I were competing alongside them. I draw strength from the resilience of the kids I meet through my nonprofit. They inspire me to stay positive.
Girls With Ideas: We heard that a small gift helped you during your hospital stay. Can you tell us about it?
Leanne: I received a $10 iTunes gift card from teenage volunteers. It made a huge impact. It reminded me that people cared about teens in the hospital, not just younger children. Most hospital donations are toys like Barbies or stuffed animals, which don’t help teens feel seen. That experience shaped the mission of Positive Impact for Kids: to support older youth with gifts that help them feel normal and valued.
Girls With Ideas: Was it difficult to start a nonprofit as a teenager?
Leanne: It was challenging but doable. I used LegalZoom to help with registration and learned the basics of nonprofit formation online. Since I wasn’t 18, my parents helped with the paperwork. I also reached out to experienced philanthropists for guidance.
Girls With Ideas: Your board and advisory team are impressive. How did you build that support?
Leanne: Most board members are trusted family friends who bring valuable skills. My advisory team includes adults I’ve met through my work in youth philanthropy. One example is Sam Beard, co-founder of the Jefferson Awards Foundation. Through their programs, I now serve on their Youth Advisory Committee and the Think Big Team, and I’m a GlobeChanger.
Girls With Ideas: How do you balance school, your nonprofit, and personal life?
Leanne: It’s a lot! Last year I devoted about 600 hours to my nonprofit while taking two AP classes. This year I’m taking four AP and all honors courses. It takes careful time management, but each area of my life is important to me.
Girls With Ideas: You’ve raised an impressive amount. What’s your fundraising strategy?
Leanne: I raise funds through donations, events, and grants. I spend a lot of time writing grant applications and planning events. Last November, I hosted a tennis fundraiser that brought in over $12,000. This year, I’m planning a similar tennis event and a 5K in December.
Girls With Ideas: Do you think you’ll reach your $100,000 goal by graduation?
Leanne: I believe I will, thanks to the generosity of individuals and corporations. With continued fundraising and community support, I’m confident we’ll reach it.
Girls With Ideas: You’ve donated to hospitals in all 50 states. What’s next?
Leanne: I’ve made donations to 83 hospitals — at least one in every state. Now, I want to go deeper. Many hospitals ask for continued support after the first donation, and I want to meet those needs. It’s heartbreaking not to have enough funding to fulfill every request. That drives me to keep pushing forward.
Leanne Joyce’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and purpose. She turned a life-altering diagnosis into a mission to brighten the lives of hospitalized teens across the country, and she’s just getting started.