The HeartBrothers Foundation (HBF) was founded by two heart transplant recipients, Patrick Sullivan (1955-2024) and Robert Romer, and is dedicated to helping heart failure (HF) patients and their families navigate the complicated world of HF, from early-stage HF to Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) and Heart Transplantation. Our sole mission is to bring support resources together to help disadvantaged HF patients and their loved ones survive life with heart failure and all its challenges. HBF’s unique approach trains HF survivors and caregivers to become peer mentors and educators and leverages our strong relationships with hospitals to connect new HF patients with Team HeartBrothers and our multitude of resources. Our dedicated team pours their lived experience into providing resources, hope, and connection for HF patients enduring some of the most challenging times of their lives. Our programs and resources include:

• Family Support Stipends - HBF provides funds for lodging, food, transport, parking, and critical travel expenses for low-income heart failure patients. Families submit requests ranging from $500 to $1,000. Requests are need-based, and we thoroughly vet each one. HBF has supported nearly 40% of all New England and upstate New York heart transplant patients, distributing over $525,000 in financial assistance (and supporting over 700 families) in our 10-year history — typically met by tears of joy, relief, gratitude, and love. While HBF’s goal has always been to ensure that any heart failure patient lacking support gets the help they need, the unfortunate reality of systemic inequality means that over 2/3 of this aid is received by individuals in the BIPOC community, predominantly African American heart failure patients. Over 90% of financial assistance from HBF goes to heart failure patients with annual incomes below $50,000.
• Heart Failure Awareness Campaign - One of the most significant challenges to Heart Failure (HF) prevention is insufficient understanding and awareness. Our Heart Failure Awareness Campaign connects early-stage HF patients with education and support to avoid more severe disease outcomes. Our online advertising and direct outreach to hospital HF care teams ensure HF patients can access HBF’s unique support services at all disease stages. This 3-year campaign has so far reached over 2 million people nationwide through social media posts, our website, e-newsletters, press, targeted advertising, printed brochures and informational materials, and through in-person outreach to local medical centers, hospitals, and heart failure teams.
• Support Groups - The peer-to-peer connection is vital at every step of the HF journey. In collaboration with healthcare professionals from HF/LVAD hospitals, our monthly online Patient Support Group provides structured, virtual gatherings where we discuss HF challenges and therapies ranging from simple to advanced, answer questions, exchange HF/transplant knowledge and experience, and provide a safe space for patients at any phase of their journey — to feel seen, heard, and unconditionally supported. During 2024, HBF also launched two new support groups, a Caregiver Support Group and the HeartSister Support Group for women and mothers with heart failure.
• Patient Education - Heart failure patient education is a critical component of improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with this challenging condition. With nearly 80% heart disease attributed to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management, empowering patients with knowledge can significantly impact their ability to manage and prevent complications. Education provides patients and caregivers with the tools to understand their diagnosis, navigate treatment options, and make informed decisions about their care. It also fosters a sense of control, reducing feelings of helplessness and improving mental well-being. Patients who are well-informed are more likely to adhere to prescribed therapies, recognize early warning signs, and adopt healthier habits that can enhance their overall health. We will work with our sponsors to provide education regarding topics such as: Symptoms, Treatment Options, HCM, LVADs, Emerging Therapies, Co-Morbidities, and More. Patient education opportunities include:
  • Cardio Chat Patient Guide - Cardio Chats have patients submit their heart-related questions to cardiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. These expert responses are compiled into a comprehensive, easy-to-read downloadable patient guide. The guide provides valuable insights and practical advice, empowering patients with the knowledge they need to manage their heart health effectively.
  • HeartWise Social Posts - Sharing knowledge for healthier hearts with weekly social media posts focused on carefully curated topics. Topics listed above such as: symptoms, LVADs, HCM, or other mutually agreed upon topics.
  • Ask the Cardiologist Videos - “Ask the Cardiologist” features pre-recorded videos with expert cardiologists answering questions submitted by our audience. These videos will be shared on our website and YouTube channel, providing valuable insights and guidance in 20-30 min segments.
• HeartBrothers House at Church Park Apartments - Short-term housing costs and availability are the most significant gap in care for patients and their families. HeartBrothers House provides dedicated lodging for patients and their families through the duration of hospitalization or clinic care in the Boston area. Many cities, including Boston, do not have any dedicated low-cost housing options for heart failure patients, whereas these major cities offer various cancer center housing options (i.e., Ronald McDonald), this is simply not the case for heart failure -- though the demands on heart failure families are just as rigorous. Located within minutes of Boston’s major heart failure centers, HeartBrothers House at Church Park offers fully furnished upscale one-bedroom apartments at a steeply discounted cost of just $100/night.