Our History

In their desire to support Madeline and others with AS, family and friends organized in 1998 and held the first annual "For the Love of an Angel" Reverse Raffle and Silent Auction, Dinner and Dance in February of 1999.  With the funds raised, Love an Angel Foundation (LAAF) began May 19, 1999 to increase awareness of Angelman Syndrome in both the general public and the health care community in Northeast Ohio. In January of 2000, we organized as a charitable trust. March 31, 2000, Love an Angel Foundation sponsored Grand Rounds at Akron Children’s Hospital, speaker Dr. Susan Cassidy, a specialist in genetics, presented medical facts, characteristics, and ways of diagnosing AS to the medical community.

From 1999 through 2003, a benevolence fund was established. Families were provided financial assistance to either attend the National Angelman Syndrome Foundation Conferences (ASF) or to assist with any medical or necessary expenses for their Angel.

As awareness and understanding of this rare neuro-genetic disorder increased, as well as the number of diagnosed cases of AS, the foundation refocused to meet the needs of the Angels in their journey to adulthood. September 20, 2004, LAAF incorporated and purchased 20 acres of land in Summit County (Phase I) now known as "Halo Farm". The century home on the property was renovated and rented to a caregiver that provided respite opportunity for our local Angels. This service was offered from 2005 to 2010.

From 2011 to present, LAAF has experienced many new and exciting changes. A new Board of Directors was established, our intern was hired as a part time Growth Administrator, and the century home at Halo Farm houses our office and temporary activity room.

In 2012 another fundraising event was initiated, that event "Biking for Angels" Spin-a-thon co-sponsored with Akron General Wellness Center LifeStyles - West has become an annual fall event.

LAAF now envisions Halo Farm as a "Complex" to provide a recreation, residential and respite facility not only for those with Angelman Syndrome but those with similar disabilities.

In November of 2013 the Love an Angel Foundation completed Phase I, the purchase and payoff of the land.