Ironheart Foundation

Ironheart Founder, David Watkins, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, aneurysm, as well as an abnormal arrhythmia. A seventeen-hour open-heart surgery followed, during which David flat-lined and was without a functional heart beat for five minutes. Luckily, his medical team was fast to respond. With a second chance at living, David had a vision to form an organization where cardiac patients could come together from across the globe, share stories, and ultimately regain a healthy lifestyle through sport. The Ironheart Foundation serves members from 48 states raising awareness for heart disease and celebrating life. The mission of Ironheart Foundation is to transform, empower and impact the lives of those affected with heart disease. Ironheart provides heart disease education, a support network and athletic inspiration. Since 2005, Ironheart Foundation has linked more than 600 cardiac patients with leading specialists, taking the frustration out of finding the right care. This initiative provides one-on-one consultations with patients and family members looking for support, advice, and care options. Ironheart has also placed life saving Automatic External Defibrillators in places of need. In 2016, Ironheart Foundation will introduce three new programs to further help those living with heart disease: the Mentor Program for cardiac patients, Ironheart Inspiration Kits providing care package to those in need, and Ironheart Academy.