Our
History
Our
History
In 1971, Lena Lonardo's grandson was born with a serious heart problem which necessitated treatment at Boston Hospital. The realization of having to send an infant to Boston for cardiac surgery was met with a great deal of stress by the entire family. Stress not only because of the obvious concern for the child's condition, but also because of the additional problem of having to leave other children behind during these visits.
When a pediatric cardiac surgery program was initiated at Rhode Island Hospital, Lena Lonardo decided to do something to support and increase public awareness of the new program. Because of her love for these children, Lena founded the RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATION FOR CARDIAC CHILDREN.
It is estimated that 12 out of every 1,000 babies in the United States are born with some type of heart defect or disease. Approximately 35% of these children would probably die within the first year of life if it was left untreated.
Usually symptoms appear shortly after birth. Common symptoms include: heart murmur, difficulty breathing, or blueness of the lips and fingernails. On the other hand, children might seem normal for years before showing signs of illness. Whenever a heart condition manifests itself in a child, it is always devastating for the family and relatives.
Fortunately, almost all of these congenital diseases can be treated with success either medically or surgically. However, success does not come easy. It is attained only through the dedication and expertise of our doctors and technical staff. Precision and teamwork, coupled with highly specialized diagnostic tools that are now available, have raised these programs to their highest level of success.
To maintain local programs of this magnitude, funding is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, congenital heart disease is not the community's only concern. Consequently, only a portion of funds that are normally available can be channeled to these programs.
THE RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATION FOR CARDIAC CHILDREN was founded to respond to the growing needs for research, increased funding, and development in the area of cardiac surgery and treatment for the ever increasing number of Rhode Island children with cardiac problems.
We are seeking the growth of programs designed to ease the effects of congenital, hypertensive, and related diseases among the children of our community.
THE RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATION FOR CARDIAC CHILDREN continues to pioneer work in this field, which began in 1971, by Lena Lonardo and others who shared her thoughtfulness, concern, and vision for the future.
Our strongest allies in this enormous endeavor are the people of our community, such as yourself. The parents and friends who are willing to share their time, effort, and even resources to help our children attain one basic goal: a normal life.
THE RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATION FOR CARDIAC CHILDREN is an organization composed entirely of volunteers from all walks of life. Growing in numbers and scope through the years, the Association offers emotional support and direct financial assitance to cardiac children and their families. It sponsors family-oriented activities such as an annual Christmas party, trips to the circus and a softball tournamemnt.
Other major program initiatives include:
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - In May, 1984, THE RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATION FOR CARDIAC CHILDREN announced the creation of the Marie E. Bugielski Memorial Scholarship Fund. In June 1989, the Eugene G. Neary Memorial Scholarship Fund was founded. Both programs assist eligible cardiac children by paying for tuition, books, rooom and board, or any other educational needs. This also includes educational programs needed for administering medication and special therapy to them.
Interested parties should contact the Association at 353-3966 for an application.
CONVALESCENT NURSERY - In a major show of support on behalf of cardiac children, THE RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATION FOR CARDIAC CHILDREN pledged $100,000 toward the creation of the Convalescent Nursery within the new Rhode Island's Women & Infants' Hospital. As a result of the improved physical space and a close affiliation with Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants' Hospital is equipped to handle a broader range of cardiac problems in newborns. The Covalescent Nursery, located adjacent to the newborn intensive care unit, is an area where infants requiring long-term attention receive care.
THE RHODE ISLAND ASSOCAITION FOR CARDIAC CHILDREN has been instrumental in providing program support and supplementing diagnostic equipment to Rhode Island and Massachusetts hospitals such as:
