Nonprofit joins the World in Participating in the Global Generosity Movement on December 1, 2020
Tampa, FL, Nov 17, 2020 – ForHearts Worldwide, a nonprofit based in Tampa, is celebrating their successes during 2020, the most challenging year to date. By sharing inspiring stories of patient survival, growth, and overcoming unprecedented challenges, HBI aims to raise awareness of their life-saving mission during #GivingTuesday, the Global Generosity Movement, on December 1st, 2020.
“COVID has made our entire mission more complex – we have had to navigate hospital closures, diversion of healthcare personnel, and our volunteer doctors have had to work on two fronts, battling the virus and continuing to implant pacemakers,” says Ms. Laura DeLise, HBI’s Executive Director.
“Thanks to the support of our network of volunteers and generous contributions, we’ve continued to save hundreds of lives, and even expand to Ecuador with a new Heart Center,” says Dr. Benedict S. Maniscalco, Chairman of ForHearts Worldwide. “This year has taught us that With Your Support, ForHearts Won’t Stop.”
ForHearts Worldwide spring and summer fundraisers were halted due to the virus. This caused a significant loss in funds from the cancellation of Sunset Music Festival, one of its largest fundraising events, as well as it’s Spring Golf Tournament. The nonprofit is turning to digital support and calls upon the community of Tampa Bay to make a donation to keep their mission moving forward.
Patient Story – Baby Keila
When Keila was born in a small village in Honduras, doctors realized that she had a congenital heart block – and needed a pacemaker immediately. Keila was only a few days old when she received the life-saving BIOTRONIK pacemaker, coordinated through the ForHearts Worldwide Pacemaker Program.
This year, our doctors followed-up with Keila, who is now 4 years old, and enjoying a happy, active childhood! Next year, she will likely need a replacement pacemaker, and ForHearts Worldwide will provide her pacemaker care for life. That is why our need for financial donations is so critical this #GivingTuesday.
For only $585, HBI provides the pacemaker, the implant surgery and lifelong care for the patient so that they may go on to lead productive active lives. Through the generosity of sponsors and global fundraising efforts, ForHearts Worldwide has saved more than 16,000 lives in more than 20 countries since 1984.
About ForHearts Worldwide
Founded in 1984, ForHearts Worldwide has saved more than 16,000 lives globally by providing cardiac implantable devices and critical follow-up care for the needy people of the world. Led by Dr. Maniscalco, an award-winning Tampa cardiologist and philanthropist, ForHearts Worldwide relies on a growing network of volunteer physicians, corporate partners, and donors – people like you – to save the lives of those who cannot afford this critical care.
About #GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. #GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eight years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. #GivingTuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity and equity around the globe