July 31st, 2012 
On Saturday, July 28 the ihearthearts Foundation presented their First Annual Cupcakes and Champagne Fundraising and Network Event at the James Oliver Galleryon 723 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.
(Photo Credit: Tiara Williams)
The ihearthearts foundation was founded by Latrice Milbourne after the tragic lose of her brother in November of last year. Her brother died of heart disease at the age of 25 and her family found it very hard to afford a funeral for their brother. That is when Latrice decided her brother wouldn’t die in vain and she would create a foundation for families in similar situations.
Ihearthearts does two things: helps to raise awareness about heart disease and helps assist families and those diagnosed with this disease. She decided that, instead of giving donations to research, it is just as important to help those dealing with heart disease and their families. Whether its paying a utility bill, purchasing their medicine, or buying groceries, it will lighten the burden on these families. She admits it can’t solve all of the problems that they will face, but it can help them.
(Photo Credit: Tiara Williams)
She had two speakers for the evening.
One was a registered nurse who spoke about how to prevent heart disease through diet and exercise. She also explained the different types of heart disease such as arrhythmia, hypertension and sudden cardiac.
(Photo Credit: Tiara Williams)
The next speaker was a woman who was diagnosed with heart disease at 38 and had to have a heart transplant. She explained all of the struggles that people fail to realize these individuals go through. She explained that after the surgery she no longer had health insurance and her medicine was over $6,000 a month. She had no after care to ensure she recovered at home and, if it wasn’t for her mother being a dietitian, she would not have known what to eat to remain healthy. That’s why she was very grateful for foundations such as ihearthearts for thinking about people such as herself and others. Her story was very inspiring and brought up memories of my own cousin receiving a heart transplant over 10 years ago.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease. Risk factors include inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking cigarettes, high cholesterol and diabetes. For more information about their organization follow them on twitter @iamihearthearts.
@ T. Williams: Thank you so much for spreading the news about iheartheart foundation! I was given an awesome opportunity to speak about my heart transplant, and share a part of the hardships that come with heart disease. I really want to thank University of Penn & Second Chance Support Group as well for their financial support post transplant. It’s been 5 yrs and my health is great but I’m still struggling to pay medical bills. Please go to the ihearthearts webpage and give a generous donation to help families of heart disease.
Very informative looking forward to more info from the young lady writing the articles.
Wow! I am thankful for the support iHearthearts received this past Saturday! To see this article makes me so proud! Thank you so Much Tiara fora wonderful article! This does my heart great joy!
Please continue to support the iHearthearts Foundation by following us on twitter and liking us on Facebook. @iamihearthearts and #ihearthearts Foundation
donations can be made at http://www.ihearthearts.org (website willbe up Friday August 3)
This is very informative to those who need awareness good job
hey this was a very well written artical that really touched the hearts of many.awesome
More organizations like this should be funded to assist families. The support that is given irreplaceable.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I would definitely be follow them.
Great article!
A very well written, informative article. No one ever thinks of the young dying of heart disease. I especially like the idea of sharing the funds that are raised directly with the family to purchase medications or to help pay bills rather than donating it to research. Good job Ms. Tiara!!!