Welcome to the website of the Myocarditis Foundation. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Leslie T. Cooper and Candace Moose, the Myocarditis Foundation has made it our mission to fund research, facilitate awareness and provide support to families affected by this rare disease. We’re a private 501 (c) nonprofit myocarditis organization that dedicates all our resources to helping patients, survivors and the families of those who have lost their lives to myocarditis.

What is Myocarditis?

Myocarditis causes inflammation of and eventual damage to the heart muscle. Thousands of individuals in the U.S. are diagnosed with myocarditis every year and the disease is believed to account annually for anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of sudden deaths. While giant cell myocarditis can often affect those with autoimmune disorders, the more common viral myocarditis often impacts healthy individuals of all ages, including children and infants. There is no cure for myocarditis, although effective treatments are available if the disease is caught early. The long-term side effect is Heart Failure which can lead to the need for mechanical support and or a heart transplant.

Our Goals

Classed as a rare disease, myocarditis remains mostly unknown to the public. Because of this lack of awareness and the risk the condition poses, the Myocarditis Foundation has identified two key goals. First, we are committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information for patients, their families and medical professionals alike. Second, we support the scientific advancement of the disease’s diagnosis and treatment to help save lives.

How We Help

Through the support of many volunteers and donors, the Myocarditis Foundation is able to provide a number of services in support of individuals with myocarditis, their loved ones and the healthcare providers committed to their care. These include:

• Conferences and lectures for patients and professionals
• Information clearinghouse for the public and healthcare providers
• An educational website with additional resources
• Research grants for post-doctoral myocarditis researchers
• Maintaining a listing and Myocarditis Foundation contact on the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), the primary nongovernmental clearinghouse for information on rare conditions

We’re also proud to offer important programs, such as our ER Nurse Education Program, a support community and the world’s first myocarditis BioBank with adult and pediatric samples from around the world to encourage rapid advances in research.

Toward a Cure

Thanks to our donors and volunteers, no one is alone in the fight against myocarditis. Ready to get involved? Contact the Myocarditis Foundation for more information or make a donation today.