The Have A Heart? Foundation was established on the behalf of Patrick Salem, a patient suffering from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) for over 4 years. The first event held by the foundation occurred on July 20, 2008 to raise money to help Patrick with his medical bills. Due to his severe progression of the illness, Patrick underwent the first of two open heart surgeries. The first surgery was to place a heart pump inside his heart, to assist the heart in pumping blood throughout his body, consequently keeping him alive until transplantation. The second surgery was Patrick’s heart transplant that was successful! Patrick has a new heart, and he is moving on with his life! The Foundation was able to assist him on a portion of the medical bills by raising over $12,000 on his behalf.

The Have A Heart? Foundation is a charitable fundraising organization committed and dedicated to assisting patients in financial need. Whether it be due to lack of medical insurance, lack of financial resources, unavailability to Medicare or Medicaid, the Have A Heart? Foundation is here to help.  We will consider any other circumstance or situation preventing the patient from adequately handling the financial responsibilities associated with hospitalization and medical care.

The foundation is a non-profit organization that is comprised of a board of directors that collaborate with one another in the decision making process. All board and committee members have an equal voice and an equal vote. The board must unanimously agree on all aspects of the patient assistance program prior to acceptance of the program.

The Patient Assistance Program developed by the Have A Heart? Foundation is geared towards ensuring that patients do not have to participate in the process in the least bit. It is our job to ensure that patients focus on recovery and recuperation, while the foundation focuses on raising the funds necessary to assist the patient. We do not burden the patient with any of the details associated with the planning, arrangement and procedures involved with the fundraising event. It is our commitment to excellence that differentiates us from other organizations, in that every penny that is raised is used to pay for the patient’s medical bills. All money raised is raised specifically for the patient and their healthcare costs and needs. The money must be used in congruence with IRS tax codes, that stipulate funds be used specifically and only for medical bills.  Sorry, no exceptions can be made.