The For Elysa Foundation

The primary goal of The For Elysa Foundation is to prevent childhood deaths caused by pediatric sudden cardiac arrest. To accomplish this, the Foundation offers programs under the following three categories:

1. Education: Improving education of healthcare providers and the community about Viral Myocarditis and other causes of pediatric sudden cardiac arrest

2. Light: Providing light and hope to children and families affected by pediatric cardiac conditions

3. Research: Promoting and funding research in the field of Viral Myocarditis and enhancing diagnosis and treatment of myocarditis and related cardiac conditions.

The Foundation funds promising research studies at world-renowned facilities that will increase evidenced-based data available to healthcare providers about viral myocarditis and related conditions, thereby improving diagnosis and treatment of children affected by cardiac conditions.

The Foundation also provides several training sessions per year for healthcare providers, healthcare students and community members on the warning signs of myocarditis and pediatric conditions, and how to treat children presenting with symptoms of myocarditis.

In addition, the Foundation provides support to families impacted by pediatric cardiac diagnoses, including mental health support, care packages, holiday gifts and financial support related to healthcare treatment.

The For Elysa Foundation founders are healthcare practitioners who have first-hand experience of viral myocarditis and pediatric sudden cardiac arrest in their family. Board members include healthcare providers and professionals with experience in law, marketing, event planning, social work and nonprofit administration.

The Foundation works closely with researchers at the Mayo Clinic and other world-renowned research facilities to improve diagnosis and treatment of viral myocarditis and related conditions. In addition, the Foundation collaborates with the national Myocarditis Foundation to share information and increase resources available to families affected by myocarditis.

Since 2011, the For Elysa Foundation has trained approximately 1,000 healthcare providers on viral myocarditis and pediatric sudden cardiac arrest. The Foundation continues to train 75-100 healthcare providers per year. In addition, the Foundation has funded 3 national studies related to the diagnosis and treatment of myocarditis and is working with its research partners to launch several more.

In addition, more than 1,000 families impacted by pediatric heart conditions receive gift bags or holiday packages form the Foundation each year - reaching approximately 10,000 families since the foundation's launch in 2011.