The Maruzza Lefebvre D’Ovidio Foundation is an independent, family run charity, established by Antonio and Eugenia Lefebvre D’Ovidio following the loss of Maruzza, their eldest daughter, in 1989.

Antonio and Eugenia passionately took up the vocation to aid people suffering the same fate as their daughter. Her vision became their deepest desire — to provide assistance and care for incurable patients, with consideration and respect for their moral principles, dignity and quality of life — bringing light to Maruzza’s dream.

Silversea is proud to support the dedicated efforts of this non-profit organisation and to honour the memory of Maruzza, the beloved sister of Silversea’s Deputy Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio. 

From Cure to Care: A Mission of Love

Under the leadership of Elvira Silvia Lefebvre D’Ovidio, Maruzza’s sister, the Foundation works together with local government organisations assembling specialised networks to promote excellence and equity in the provision of palliative care and support for persons affected by life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and their families, regardless of age, cultural, social and economic background.

Today, a major part of its energy and resources is dedicated to the diffusion of palliative care for children, babies and adolescents affected by incurable illness. For these young patients in particular, it is essential that they spend their days in familiar surroundings where all their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs can be properly addressed, able to live their lives free from unnecessary pain and suffering. 

One For Life

Silversea and the Maruzza Foundation have established “One For Life”, a fundraising project that promotes awareness of this important cause and allows Silversea guests to become actively involved in the Maruzza Foundation’s activities. Donations fund research and educational programmes such as the “Children Project” – an initiative that provides seriously ill children and their families a full scope of quality palliative and hospice care services that would otherwise be unavailable. 

For more information or to make a private donation, please visit www.maruzza.org  or email foundation@silversea.com

“On behalf of the Maruzza Foundation and the entire Lefebvre D’Ovidio family, I wish to express my most sincere gratitude for the opportunity to share with you Maruzza’s enthusiasm for solidarity. Her vision and her voice inspired my family to fulfil her dream. We trust that with the help and support of those who believe and participate in our mission, we can improve the lives of many seriously ill individuals and their families.” – Silvia Lefebvre D’Ovidio Chairman, Maruzza Lefebvre D’Ovidio Foundation