The Dustin Smith Heart Foundation, Inc., a Connecticut non-stock corporation, was formed in memory of Dustin Smith a young man who passed away on Valentine’s Day 2015 due to sudden cardiac death as a result of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (“HCM”). The Foundation has two main objectives: first, to raise money to fund scientific and medical research regarding HCM and related conditions; and, second,
to raise public awareness of HCM. One of the Foundation’s core objectives is to fund research relating to HCM and related conditions in order to improve screening, diagnoses and treatment of the condition. The Foundation will identify appropriate research organizations and provide grants of funds to further research into HCM. The Foundation’s second main objective is to raise awareness of HCM, which impacts an estimated 1 in 500 people and is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young people. The Foundation plans to work with schools, community youth organizations and pediatricians to raise awareness of the condition and advocate for improved screening methods.
