Navigating the numerous challenges posed by heart conditions, from congenital defects at birth to unforeseen heart attacks in adulthood, can be a daunting prospect for patients and their families. This article enumerates various charities across America that offer much-needed support to those grappling with the complexities of conditions such as coronary disease, cardiovascular afflictions or enduring treatment protocols like cardiac surgery.
The best charities that help heart patients are American Heart Association, Children’s Heart Foundation and Mended Hearts.
These benevolent organizations strive not only to assist with financial barriers but also work diligently to improve overall patient care, pioneering critical research and advocating for rights reserved specifically for heart patients. From providing medical equipment to enlightening through the latest news about heart health; they contribute massively towards disease control.
The American Heart Association
The American Heart Association (AHA), founded nearly a century ago, has evolved into the nations leading voluntary organisation dedicated to battling heart disease and strokes. This philanthropic initiative, born out of the collaborative efforts of six cardiologists, now boasts over 35 million volunteers and supporters, as well as a workforce exceeding 2,900 employees.
The American Heart Association takes aim at cardiovascular diseases and strokes which are not only global leading causes of death but also significantly hamper quality of life for survivors. Its ambition is to realize a world devoid of these health conditions.
The far-reaching scale allows it to have substantial impact; besides its dynamic volunteer base and considerable human resources, this charity has invested more than $5 billion in medical research thus earning its status as the largest not-for-profit funding source for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases outside governmental institutions.
Children’s Heart Foundation
The Children’s Heart Foundation is a renowned institution focusing on advancing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart disease (CHDs) through comprehensive research funding. The organization has significantly impacted the field by providing $15 million for CHD research and scientific collaborations as of 2021.
Their programs have pioneered breakthroughs in survival rates, longevity and quality of life for individuals living with CHDs. They often provide vital initial funding to projects that later attract support from prominent organizations such as the National Institutes of Health.
Womenheart
Womenheart The National Coalition for Women with heart disease has been at the forefront of supporting women with heart disease since its inception in 1999. Founded by three brave women Nancy Loving, Jackie Markham, and Judy Mingram- who faced the challenges of their own heart diseases like misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and isolation. These pioneers decided to bridge the information gap that existed around women’s heart health.
Motivated by a lack of recognition and serious implications of overlooked heart disease among females, women Heart was established as an organization dedicated to turning this narrative around. Its currently the only national patient-centred group focusing solely on enhancing female cardiovascular health.
World Heart Federation
The World Heart Federation (WHF) is a globally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to leading the global fight against cardiovascular disease (cvd), including heart diseases and stroke. They aim in achieving a world where heart health for everyone is not just an ideal, but a reality.
Their key approach involves engaging in advocacy, establishing and sharing best practices, providing mutual support and fostering partnerships. Whf runs various programs such as world heart day, an international campaign held on 29th September to propagate awareness about cardiovascular diseases.
Mended Hearts
The Mended Hearts, inc. Is a world-renowned non-profit organization dedicated to offering guidance and hope to heart disease patients (including young adults from 18-55 years), their caregivers, and relatives for over seven decades. They were founded by DR. Dwight e. Harken with four of his open-heart surgery patients, Mended Hearts has expanded significantly since 1951 to comprise more than 260 local chapters nationwide and collaborating with around 350 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics.
Supporting congenital heart defect patients marked another milestone in the charity’s journey when they introduced mended little hearts in 2004 while August 2021 saw the inauguration of young mended hearts focussed explicitly on aiding young adults living with heart diseases.
The Marfan Foundation
The Marfan Foundation is a steadfast organization dedicated to aiding individuals with genetic aortic and vascular disorders, including Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. A strong advocate for these communities, it operates with the mission to save lives and elevate quality of life.
On practical grounds, The Marfan Foundation supports through nourishing an expert community via its research grant program and advocating governmental support towards research specifically improving their lives.
American Stroke Association
The American Stroke Association is devoted to creating a healthier world with fewer strokes, making it a leading force combating the second most common cause of death worldwide. Their dedication extends beyond healthcare access, inclusively striving for advanced cardiovascular health. Alongside delivering accurate and evidence-based information about stroke and post-stroke recovery, they also support caregivers and educate health professionals.
Formally established in 1998 as a subsection of the American Heart Association in Dallas, the association’s relentless mission strives towards longer and healthier lives for all.
Chain of Hope
The Chain of Hope is a charity working globally to save the lives of children suffering from potentially treatable and preventable cardiac diseases. Conceived in 1996, the organisation’s long-term goal is to ensure access to quality cardiac care for all children, irrespective of their birthplace.
The charity operates multiple programs to assist minors diagnosed with heart disease. Under its global referral program, cases referred by local doctors are sent for evaluation by their Medical Board. If evaluated as possible treatment candidates, arrangements are made for the child’s transport to partner hospitals for necessary care.
Additionally, life-saving treatments are brought to developing and war-stricken countries through international collaboration among medical experts fostered by Chain of Hope. Programs also extend support for post-operative assistance through compassionate host families who take patients into their homes during recovery.
Adult Congenital Heart Association
The Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) is a charity established in 1998, solely dedicated to aiding individuals and families afflicted with congenital heart disease. The association strives to enhance patient outcomes by advocating for better access to specialized care resources.
Their diverse range of programs includes National and Regional Conferences, an accreditation program, educational materials, website support, outreach initiatives and widespread research. Fundraising events are also held regularly by ACHA to increase awareness for this cause.
The organization aims for every adult CHD patient’s exceptional care by developing standards to recognize practitioners providing high-quality treatment. Their vision revolves around specialized cardiac care access for every adult diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease.
