Grateful Hearts event raises $228,000 in support of Lee Health Heart Institute
The Floridant/10295949

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- The second annual Grateful Hearts event, hosted by Laurye and Wayne O'Melia, raised $228,000 in support of Lee Health Heart Institute, continuing its mission to enhance cardiac care in Southwest Florida. Building on the success of last year's inaugural gathering, this year's event brings the total raised through Grateful Hearts to $388,000.

Held on Feb. 7 at the Saint Charles Yacht Club, the event featured insightful presentations from renowned cardiovascular experts, including Dr. Malissa Wood, Dr. David Cervantes, Dr. Juan Lopez-Matte, and Dr. Kevin Cao. Guests learned about recent advancements in heart health, such as the role of artificial intelligence in cardiology, cutting-edge surgical techniques, non-invasive heart imaging, and robotics - all of which are revolutionizing patient care and improving outcomes.

"Grateful Hearts is an opportunity for our community to directly impact heart care in Southwest Florida," said Lynnae Messina, director of development at Lee Health Foundation. "The generosity of our donors ensures that Lee Health Heart Institute will continue advancing treatment options and saving lives."

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Supporters who made event possible include Samantha Sheridan and Brian Seasholes, Laurye and Wayne O'Melia, Donna and Larry Davis, Gilbane Building Company, Diana and Carl Grissom, and Pat and Bill Wiggenhorn.

The evening concluded with a shared sense of hope and dedication to the fight against heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. With continued community support, Lee Health Heart Institute remains committed to providing exceptional cardiovascular care and improving the health of Southwest Florida.

Support for Grateful Hearts is ongoing. For more information about Lee Health Heart Institute or to make a gift, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Heart or call (239) 343-6950.

About Lee Health Foundation

Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of private nonprofit Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The Foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including Golisano Children's Hospital and Lee Health Fort Myers, opening late 2027, as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, Lee Health Heart Institute, Lee Health Hospital at Home, Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute, and Community Health Clinics. Over the last year, the Foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health's mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org (http://www.leehealthfoundation.org/) or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.

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