Nonprofit Impact: Local Heart Foundation

Heart disease is considered a silent killer because it often goes undetected before crisis events such as a heart attack. However, heart defects are another problem those of all ages can face. From infants being born with various heart conditions to older adults collapsing because of an undiagnosed defect, heart problems can affect anyone. The Local Heart Foundation is a local nonprofit that seeks to help families going through hardship due to their loved one suffering from a heart ailment. Below we hear from Stacie Adams, executive director of the foundation. 

How long have you been in this nonprofit role? 

I’ve had the honor of serving as executive director since October 2022. My journey here is deeply personal. In 2019, my family found ourselves in Houston for my daughter’s third open-heart surgery, and the foundation was our lifeline—providing the lodging, meals and gas we needed to get through that difficult time. Having walked in the shoes of those we serve, I am incredibly passionate about giving back to the community that supported us. 

What is the overall goal of the organization? 

Our overall goal for the organization is to financially assist families who live in SWLA and must travel outside of this area to receive critical and crucial heart disease treatment. No family should have to worry about how to afford travel when fighting heart disease. We are dedicated to easing the financial burden for members of our SWLA community by assisting with the costs of seeking specialized care outside our area, providing hope and relief during life’s most difficult moments. 

What are your top three immediate priorities?  

A heart disease diagnosis is often urgent and life-changing. We provide direct financial assistance to help families navigate the unexpected traveling expenses, ensuring they can focus on healing rather than the sudden burden of expenses due to the need to travel outside SWLA for heart disease treatment.  

We are dedicated to connecting families navigating similar journeys, recognizing that while every experience is personal and unique, there is invaluable support in shared understanding. 

We are also dedicated to streamlining our application process, which goes through the cardiologist’s office, to ensure families receive the support they need without unnecessary delays. 

Our work is made possible by the proud support of our local businesses. By partnering with us, these businesses are reinvesting in the very same community and customers who support them every day. This shared commitment creates a heartfelt bond across SWLA, connecting the community and local businesses to build a more resilient and united community for everyone who calls southwest Louisiana home. 

What is the everyday impact you see in the local community stemming from your organization? 

In Southwest Louisiana, many families are walking the difficult path of battling heart disease. Because SWLA currently lacks a pediatric heart surgical center, these families—especially those with small children—must often travel far from home for life-saving treatment. We are here to bridge that gap, connecting local families with similar journeys and providing the support they need while they are away from home. We take pride in connecting families for emotional support during difficult times.  

What do you wish people knew about your organization that you feel is not understood? 

Our heart and our mission are for the entire community. While many of our families have small children requiring travel for cardiac surgery, we provide support to individuals of all ages. From newborns to seniors, we are dedicated to anyone in SWLA navigating the challenges of heart disease.