The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, Rush Partner to Bring Cardiac Care to the Underserved

September 19, 2008 - The Larry King Cardiac Foundation and Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, have partnered to provide life-saving cardiac care for patients who have no insurance or limited means, bringing critical care to people who have no other options.
Rush cardiologists and heart surgeons will donate their time and perform surgeries at no cost to the patient, while the Foundation provides funding to compensate the hospital for the materials used.
“We are proud to be selected as a partner to The Larry King Cardiac Foundation,” said Larry Goodman, M.D., president and CEO of Rush University Medical Center. “Our partnership will bring this important program to the Chicago area to help more people in our community who have no where else to turn.”
“On the heels of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, I’m excited to announce our partnership with Rush University Medical Center,” said Larry King, Jr., president of the Larry King Cardiac Foundation. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and too many people who suffer from cardiac conditions are without insurance. Our goal is to save one heart a day and through our partnership with Rush, hearts will be repaired, lives will be saved, and we’ll be one step closer to reaching our goal.”
In addition to providing free care, Rush will work with the Foundation’s Health Across America campaign to raise awareness about heart disease and provide testing to those who would not normally have access to this support. The campaign addresses risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and smoking.
In addition to partnering with premier cardiac centers across the country, The Larry King Cardiac Foundation has also developed partnerships with Cordis Corp., Medtronic Inc., St. Jude Medical Inc., and Edwards Lifesciences Corp. to provide patients with critical cardiac devices and procedures free of charge to those in need.
The Larry King Cardiac Foundation is a non-profit organization funded by grants, corporate and individual donations as well as proceeds from Mr. King’s books, speaking engagements, and from entertainment galas. It has embraced an ambitious goal, which is to “Save a Heart a Day.”
For more information: www.lkcf.org