About the Foundation:

About the Foundation:


The Teenok Heart Foundation was formed in loving memory of Samara Beth Lessner. Born with cardiomyopathy, a congenital heart defect, Samara lived only four and a half months but she lives on in the hearts of her family – a beautiful little girl who valiantly struggled for each breath. The statistics on children’s heart ailments are alarming.

· Congenital heart defects are the leading cause of all infant deaths in the United States
· Congenital heart defects in the United States are the #1 birth defect
· 8 out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States have a congenital heart defect

Teenok’s mission is to offer an extra “breath of life” to existing hospital programs in pediatric
cardiology. Funds will be earmarked to (1) contribute to the expense of on-going clinical research in infant heart disease, (2) provide supplemental funding for equipment and personnel on pediatric cardiac units, and (3) offer financial and/or social service support to patients and their families. The distributions are determined by a panel of trustees, aided by a medical advisory group. Heading our medical advisory board is Dr. Seth J. Lessner, fellow in cardiovascular diseases at Georgetown University/Washington Hospital Center/V.A., in conjunction with Dr. George Ruiz, attending physician in cardiology, Washington Hospital Center and Children’s National Hospital. Members of both committees serve on a strictly volunteer basis.

Teenok Heart Foundation is registered as both a Congressional District Program and a National Heritage Foundation, which are 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1) public charities and shares their federal tax status. Donors who contribute $250 or more will be receipted directly by CDP or NHF. In accordance with IRS regulations, those who give less than $250 may use their canceled check as proof of donation. If your company has a matching policy, I encourage you to utilize it. Corporate sponsors are encouraged.