THE HEARTBEAT OF HOAGLAND FOUNDATION
When the calendar flips to February, Valentine’s Day comes to mind but also topping the list of February thoughts is that February is National Heart Health month. It seems only fitting to award the CTE Gives Back! charity dollars to an organization with healthy heartbeats in mind.
One charity that truly fits the bill is the Heartbeat of Hoagland Foundation with Brian “Barney” Strahm, its founder, most exuberant ambassador, and heart transplant recipient who cheers with delight that he’s been given a “second chance at life” and is “living it like there’s no tomorrow!” Brian was diagnosed on March 27, 2021, with a rare heart condition called Cardiac Sarcoidosis after struggling with heart issues for more than a decade. Fast forward one year later to March 26, 2022, and Brian is not only a survivor of a heart transplant but also one sporting the Heartbeat of Hoagland bright red shirt with #barneystrong 3.27.21 across the front at the Foundation’s first annual event.
This resident of Hoagland, IN, a “small town with a big heart”, along with his friends and in less than a year post surgery, started the 501 (c) Foundation with the mission of providing financial assistance to heart transplant recipients while at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne, IN and Ascension/St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. In addition, raising awareness about heart disease and the importance of organ donation is key in all of the Foundation’s efforts. Their partnership also extends to the Indiana Donor Network.
The impact from their first event in 2021 was to the tune of $92,000 and now plans are in place for their third annual event to be held in Hoagland this fall. Recipients of the Foundation grants need to be waiting for a transplant or be in the hospital recovering from such and can be used to cover expenses not typically covered with insurance – well received and most appreciated following a surgery that can rise to an excess of $2 million in cost. Brian personally delivers the grant with a huge bonus impact - the patient can enjoy the financial assistance and gets to be up close and personal with a most inspiring gentleman who is a transplant survivor and enjoying life to its fullest. He has walked the walk and can talk the talk with a most special appreciation and love of life!
One damaged heart + one donor heart + an incredible medical team saved one gentleman’s life in 2021 and now the Heartbeat of Hoagland Foundation works diligently to have a positive impact on more beating hearts. It is with great joy that Cable Tie Express recognizes this Foundation with its charity dollars for February.
To learn more about the Heartbeat of Hoagland Foundation, please check out www.heartbeatofhoagland.com.
Related Topics: CTE Gives Back, Cable Tie Express