Grateful Patients Promote Philanthropic Giving

In the spirit of good will during the holidays, current and former patients and their families are giving back to the Heart Rhythm Society and Foundation to show their appreciation and dedication to our missions.

December 9, 2008 —Philanthropic giving can be a family affair during the holiday season. Whether making a monetary donation, volunteering your time, or providing an organization with valuable resources, giving to a charity at the holidays can be a rewarding experience for everyone.

Consider the Heart Rhythm Society and Foundation as a family or organization in your gift giving plan this holiday season — click here to learn more about making your gift. As millions of people and their families are affected by heart rhythm disorders each year, it is the Society’s mission to improve the care of patients and families involved by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. As a result, families give to the Society generously and it is our hope that more will follow to help expand our initiatives.

For example, the Hess family established the Everett and Alice Hess Family Fund. Inc. with the intent to give back to their community. The family would collectively select two charities each holiday to receive their donations. This tradition has continued with the grandchildren in order to teach them the value of giving to others. As a result, the family forgoes holiday gifts and gives donations instead to organizations selected during a yearly family meeting. Charities are chosen and discussed "by topics of interest to the kids, that pull us all together as a family,” says Suzanne, “the focus [in our family] is on giving not receiving.”

This past year’s discussion changed its tone somewhat. As a result of a cardiac ablation procedure performed on Lawrence Hess, Everett and Alice’s son, the family wanted to give back to an organization that focused on his condition and help benefit those affected by similar circumstances. They were directed to the Heart Rhythm Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Heart Rhythm Society, by their doctor, Gregory K. Feld, MD, FHRS, CCDS, a member of the Society. The Hess Family collectively gave to the Foundation on behalf of Everett and Alice Hess Family Fund, Inc, to show their support for the Society and its plans.

The Heart Rhythm Society has launched two new campaigns, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA 360°) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF 360°), which were established to educate the public about treatment options and reducing risk of stroke. While our efforts are a driving force in preventing SCA and diagnosing AF, we need your help in informing patients about us and our campaigns to prevent deaths due to SCA and AF.

Visit the "contribute" section of our website to learn more about how to give as a family or group this holiday season. If you have questions, please contact Betsy Bogdansky at (202) 464-3454, bbogdansky@HRSonline.org or Ashleigh Covington at (202) 464-9854, acovington@HRSonline.org for assistance.

About the Heart Rhythm Foundation
The mission of the Heart Rhythm Foundation is to enhance the prevention and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders by supporting the research, education and advocacy efforts of the Heart Rhythm Society. Its goal is to promote a culture of giving in service to this mission.