The Larry King Cardiac Foundation

ROCKVILLE, Md., (February 5, 2010) – In 2009’s down economy, there was “up” news from the philanthropic cardiac treatment goals of the Larry King Cardiac Foundation (LKCF).   There are 287 uninsured people with cardiac disease who received treatment, due of LKCF.   These life-saving procedures were made possible by the generous donations and  medical device donations from St. Jude Medical, Edwards Lifesciences, Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic, and Cordis Corp.

The increase in patients saved was complemented by the increase in partnerships with medical treatment facilities around the country. In 2009, LKCF joined forces with Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital, part of Jackson Health Systems. Jackson Memorial joins partner medical centers: Children’s National Medical Center and The George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, DC; Los Angeles Childrens Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and LAC + USC Medical Center in Los Angeles; Venice Family Clinic in Venice, CA; New York Presbyterian: The University Hospitals of Cornell and Columbia in New York City; Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta; Covenant Health System in Lubbock, TX; The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH; and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

LKCF successfully implemented a new fundraising plan in 2009 to continue its mission. In place of its annual fundraising gala event in Washington, DC, LKCF invited individuals across the nation to host their own virtual galas – personal fundraising parties held at individuals’ homes.  These parties were hosted around the country -- from Los Angeles, California to Potomac, Maryland. In his way of “paying it forward,” Jeff Fisher, a cardiac patient helped by LKCF, and wife Janna, held their fundraising event in Fort Wayne, Indiana, complete with dinner and a cake in honor of Larry King’s birthday.

Beyond these virtual gala parties, LKCF and its patients were endlessly impressed and touched by the generosity of people who care. Brooke Steinberg, a 13-year-old from Davie, Florida created a Mitzvah Project in memory of her grandmother, a heart attack victim, funneling her Bat Mitzvah funds directly to LKCF. Over a year later, she is still raising awareness and funds. When Larry King visited the Hillel School in Tampa to thank them for their fundraising efforts, he was joined by The Jonas Brothers, who met the children and patient, a former Jonas Brothers tour employee, that they directly helped.  Jessica Martinez had three open-heart surgeries by the time she was 23 years old. Although she had insurance, she wanted to help those not as fortunate. Needs more. For the sixth consecutive year, over 60 Paul Mitchell cosmetology schools raised money for their Magic of Memories campaign.

About the Larry King Cardiac Foundation

The Larry King Cardiac Foundation was established in 1988 to provide funding for life-saving treatment for individuals who, due to limited means or no insurance, would be otherwise unable to receive the treatment and medical attention necessary to survive.  For more information, visit www.lkcf.org.

Media Contact: Jessica Zachar, Linda Roth Associates; 703.417.2701; jessica@lindarothpr.com