Lauren Elise Memorial Foundation has granted nearly a half million dollars in support of specific CHD treatment and research initiatives. LEMF is committed to thoroughly vetting all grant opportunities with leading medical experts, to ensure only the most promising projects are evaluated for funding.
The Children's Hospital at Saint Francis - Tulsa, OK
LEMF grant funds of $35,000 enabled the purchase of "Sonosite" portable ultrasound technology in 2013. This equipment has been used hundreds of times by the Pediatric Cardiology team, and has been credited with enhancing the effectiveness and safety of a variety of procedures performed on children with heart defects at CHSF.
To date, LEMF has granted $185,000 as part of a $200,000 commitment to fully fund the purchase of a Sorin S5 Pediatric Heart-Lung Machine. This equipment replaces the obsolete and retrofitted "adult" equipment previously in use by CHSF, greatly increasing the efficiency and safety of procedures which require children to be placed on bypass during open heart surgery.
The Children's Heart Foundation - Chicago, IL
LEMF has granted $110,000 to fund research entitled "Transcriptional Profiling of Pediatric Cardiac Stem Cells" performed by Dr. Conrad Epting of the Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. This project is one of the leading research projects put forth by the CHF Medical Advisory Board, consisting of more than 100 pediatric cardiologists, cardio-thoracic surgeons, academic scholars, and leading medical experts in the field of pediatric cardiology. The goal of the project is to determine the feasibility of using cardiac stem cells, which show great promise in assisting the heart to strengthen and heal following invasive heart surgery to treat congenital heart defects.
LEMF funds of $110,000 were granted to fund research entitled "Cavopulmonary Assist Device Development for Fontan Circulatory Support". This project is performed by Dr. Mark Rodefeld of the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN. Also identified as one of the most promising research projects by the CHF MAB, this project funds the feasibility, testing, and development of an automated device intended to restore near normal heart functionality where CHDs result in absent or ineffective heart chamber development. This is a condition which is commonly present in a high percentage of the most life threatening CHD cases, such as Lauren's.
Ethan M. Lindberg Foundation - Rockford, IL
LEMF granted $1,000 to support Ethan M. Lindberg Foundation in their endeavor to rent & furnish an apartment for heart families traveling to Boston Children's Hospital for care. For many families, facing congenital heart disease means packing a bag, leaving home and traveling to access the care their child needs. The EMLF apartment offers affordable and accessible housing to families traveling for cardiac care. We are proud to be able to support this wonderful organization!
Quotes of Thanks
“I think anybody who gives money to the Lauren Elise Foundation can feel confident in knowing their money is being used #1 very wisely, and #2 everyday by people right here in their community.”
“Thank you very, very much for your contributions and your prayers. ”
“Your continued support of The Children’s Heart Foundation truly makes a difference in the lives of families touched by America’s number one birth defect - CHD. On behalf of those families, I thank you.”
“Thank you for coming to the Children’s Hospital and offering a generous donation for the children of this community. We are humbled by your noble approach beyond the painful loss of your precious daughter.
Together, we know that your generous donation will help many children and their families in the future. Thank you again for your kindness. God Bless You. In His Peace. ”
“I wanted to send a note to say “Thank You” for your support of my research. It is a huge help. I have been on a personal mission to improve single ventricle care and outcomes for nearly 15 years. I take care of these kids, and know first hand what you have been through.
I am sure that one day there will be better ways to deal with this. Your generous support will help us get there.
Thank you again! The funds are going to work - many very smart engineers are churning on this problem - and solution!
Best Regards!”
