OHHRF Booklet 2023

A B E T T E R A B E T T E R T O M O R R O W T O M O R R O W

saving lives today

OVER 30 YEARS AGO OVER 30 YEARS AGO

, a group of Oklahoma cardiologists began asking the important questions: Why does heart disease exist? How do these diseases develop and worsen? How can we find new ways to fight our nation’s #1 killer?

They knew that only by asking questions like these and pursuing the answers would progress be made towards the improved health of our society.

And that’s when our fight against heart disease began The Oklahoma Hear (OHH purp and expa chan

whol innov exce

More treatments are working. More breakthroughs are happening. And more patients are getting what they need most – precious time.

You see, there is a human aspect to the fight against heart disease that is personal to us all. Giving grandparents more time with their grandkids and families more holidays together is what makes our hard work worthwhile – it’s what drives us to keep asking the important questions and searching for answers.

As OHHRF enters its third decade of success, the heart of our mission remains the same – help patients fighting heart disease live better and

Today, heart disease is deadly. But with support from generous donors, we can create a better tomorrow for you, your loved ones and generations to come

I truly believe that every gift to OHHRF is transformational… for our patients, for Oklahoma and beyond.

-John Harvey, MD, Oklahoma Heart Hospital CEO & OHHRF Board Member

Providing crucial continuing education for healthcare workers

S E A R C H S E A R C H

HERAPIES. CUTTING-EDGE DEVICES. INNOVATIVE PROCEDURES.

OHHRF CONTINUES OHHRF CONTINUES

to dream big and look towards the future of cardiovascular care. The horizon is full of endless possibilities and new ways to fight heart disease, but this progress takes time, dedication, and perseverance – and you can rest assured that nothing will stop us from rising to the challenge.

We’re not just envisioning the treatments of tomorrow OHHRF has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to make those visions become a reality by taking strategic steps one patient, one study at a time Clinical trials are the stepping stones that pave the way to finding solutions that help today’s patients and future generations

Every drug and device that is now the standard of care had to first go through clinical trials before achieving FDA approval. These trials are the key to opening doors for patients who have run out of treatment options and don’t qualify for standard therapies. Trials give them hope, possible solutions, and more precious time with their families.

O U R N E Y J O U R N E Y R

With your support, more dreams can become reality and more lives can ultimately be saved J

OHH NORTH OPENED

First all-digital hospital in the nation

INDUCED

HYPOTHERMIA

Lower body temperature after cardiac arrest to increase survival and neurologic recovery

CRT RESYNC THERAPY

Small device that improves the heart’s ability to beat in a more synchronized pattern

DRUG-ELUTING STENTS

A version of the device delivering a steady dose of medicine to prevent artery reblockage

ROBOTIC SURGERY

Improving precision and outcomes

OHH SOUTH OPENED

This is only the beginning of our journey. This is only the beginning our journey.

GENE THERAPY

Inject live virus into coronary arteries to create new blood vessels

TAVR / TAVI

Implanting or replacing damaged heart valves without open heart surgery, decreasing recovery times

MITRACLIP

An alternative solution for patients too high risk for traditional surgical intervention

CLINIC FOR THE UNINSURED

Oklahoma’s only specialty clinic for the uninsured

HEART FAILURE DEVICES

Innovative minimally invasive devices and therapies

MICRA PACEMAKER

A tiny pacemaker the size of a small battery that is placed via catheter and does not require an incision

ANTIBIOTIC ENVELOPE

An envelope of medicine placed during a pacemaker implant for infection prevention

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

Because of our amazing donors, there’s hope in the fight against heart disease

G O O D S A M A R I T A N F U N D G O O D S A M A R I T A N F U N D

-Jean, OHH South Case Manager

226

SHIRTS AND TOPS

42

PERSONAL SCALES

272

PAIRS OF PANTS

PATIENTS BEING ADMITTED PATIENTS BEING ADMITTED

to the hospital often have nothing more than the clothes on their backs when they arrive Once admitted, Case Management identifies their greatest needs and uses the Good Samaritan Fund to provide them with essential items like clothing, medications, gift cards for gas, and scales

Over the past few years, we have seen a drastic increase in patients who lost their jobs, are in-between jobs, or are stuck with a health insurance plan that basically only covers catastrophic events They desperately need help wrapping their minds around a newfound health crisis and the complicated healthcare system These are good people who are genuinely trying to do the right thing – stay out of the ER – and get their health back on track. But in the end, how could this ever be possible for these patients without the resources to make it happen?

Patients like John – a Marshallese patient with no insurance that needed full-time care after being discharged. Luckily, he had family in Oklahoma that could care for him at home, but they needed a hospital bed to make this happen. The Good Samaritan Fund helped purchase the hospital bed, providing him with an affordable option to help on his long road to recovery.

Patients like Evelyn – a self-pay patient who was at risk of falling at home but could not afford the cost of a walker. The Good Samaritan Fund was able to provide her with a standard bariatric rolling walker to help ensure that she can walk around safely in her house.

The Good Samaritan Fund is like a ‘just in time’ emergency fund that patients didn’t know they had, and it can benefit them in tremendous ways. From providing a blood pressure cuff for home, getting expensive prescriptions filled, or a gas card to make the long trip home, patients cry with tears of gratitude over something that most of us may take for granted but is such a blessing to them. These small acts of kindness help alleviate the worry about affording necessary items and allow patients to focus on healing, all thanks to the support of our generous donors.

118

PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED

48 PAIRS OF GLASSES

54

WAL-MART GIFT CARDS MEDICATION ORGANIZERS

10

R THE UNINSURED R THE UNINSURED

MELISSA'S HEALTH STARTED TO FAIL. MELISSA'S HEALTH STARTED TO FAIL.

She was an active mother and grandmother when she started experiencing heart issues. After things didn’t improve over time, she finally decided to visit the emergency room to get some much-needed relief Melissa received the devastating news that she had heart failure and only 30% heart function Her team of doctors jumped into action, immediately implanted a defibrillator, and after a week-long hospital stay, she went home to begin her long road to recovery.

As luck would have it, this unfortunate chain of events caused Melissa to lose her job. She had no idea how she would ever be able to afford follow-up care to monitor her new device and new diagnosis

Thankfully, Melissa’s care team referred her to the Clinic for the Uninsured (CFU) where she was seen by the clinic team within the next week She now visits the clinic regularly to monitor her heart failure and is extremely grateful for the compassionate care, provided testing, and prescription assistance the CFU offers.

The CFU gives our most vulnerable Oklahomans access to preventative care, diagnostic testing, and therapeutic interventions, which ultimately gives them crucial answers and options before it’s too late. All CFU patients are ineligible for Medicare and Medicaid, most of whom fall in the category of the “working poor” –making too much to qualify for government assistance

It was Dr. Zaheer Baber’s empathy for patients like Melissa that sparked his determination to create the clinic. With the number of heart disease diagnoses escalating in Oklahoma, he felt that the time was right to help these underserved patients. In 2014, Oklahoma’s first and only free specialty clinic for the uninsured opened in Midwest City thanks to a partnership between OHHRF and Mercy

OHHRF IS HELPING BREAK THIS CYCLE. IS HELPING BREAK THIS

Thanks to our volunteer physicians and donors, the number of patients served continues to grow. The clinic served 380 patients in 2014 and has grown to over 1,580 patients in 2022. Since its inception, the CFU has helped over 9,600 patients and has provided over $4.1 million in services Now, it’s important you know that these are not just numbers These are patients who finally received answers through compassionate care, hope in the form of treatment options, and whose lives were ultimately saved. Patients like Melissa wouldn’t have the opportunity to improve their overall health outcomes if it weren’t for the support from our amazing donors!

-Melissa

All of this started when I was 40. It has been very scary. I don’t know what I would do without the clinic… I would be in trouble. It has helped me so much.

These are the words that Carla Bensinger strives to live by. As a nurse of 45 years, she has spent a lifetime giving back to the community and helping those in need.

The past two decades have been dedicated to helping patients at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, where she currently serves as the Director of the Outpatient Cath Lab in Midwest City – just a stone’s throw away from a place that has always touched her heart, the Clinic for the Uninsured (CFU).

Carla has been a faithful supporter of the CFU, donating every pay period since it opened in 2014. However, she didn’t want her support to end there and felt inspired to do more. During the process of setting up their trust, Carla and her husband Jerry knew that they wanted to find a way to leave a legacy and help patients in need for generations to come.

The Bensingers decided to make a planned gift and generously named OHHRF’s Clinic for the Uninsured as a recipient of their trust Once again, giving meaning to the words Carla lives by. They started something that will live on long after they are gone – a true act of greatness.

“What makes greatness is starting something that lives on after you. ”

We don’t have any kids, so we wanted to give back something that outlives us. I love the mission of the Free Clinic and have always had a heart for those in need.

-Carla B.

Mohammad Ghani, MD, OHHRF Board Member & Donor

Heart Hero

A MEANINGFUL WAY TO SAY THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO CARE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

red “Heart Hero” pins proudly worn on lapels and name badges throughout the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. These pins are not simply handed out to all team members – they are earned by being recognized for providing compassionate, healing care And behind each pin is a personal story, a story worth sharing

YOU MAY SEE YOU MAY SEE

Who is a Heart Hero? Those that experience

OHH often come away with a level of gratitude that is unwavering. We often hear patients say, “I wish there was a way for me to say thank you!” Our Grateful Patient Program gives patients and families a meaningful way to show their appreciation by donating in honor of anyone they consider to be their Heart Hero.

When you recognize your Heart Hero(es), those honored will be:

Informed of your kindness

medical facilities in Oklahoma. Thank you to all for your dedication and commitment."

-Benita

From the physicians, nurses, the A La Heart Café staff, surgical teams, and our support staff – you can say “Thank You” to any member of the OHH team that made a difference in your life. Families and friends can also participate by honoring their loved ones that are courageously battling heart disease Scan

Presented with a special card

(without stating the size of the gift) symbolizing your appreciation

Honored with a “Heart Hero” pin to wear proudly

Heartwarming

. That’s how we describe every experience when we present a Heart Hero with a symbolic pin and share kind words of gratitude, especially over the last few years. Hearing that our patients are grateful for all we do has truly been a bright light during a very dark time And although our Heart Heroes would do anything for our patients without expecting something in return, it brings smiles to their faces and means so much to know that they are appreciated.

Dr. Ghani took wonderful care of my husband for many years. I am grateful for his compassion and kindness. He is the perfect example of a Heart Hero.

-Cathy -Joye

I’m 81, most doctors raise their voices when they speak to me. If I have someone younger with me, they behave as if I am not there and almost ignore me. Dr. Gupta treats me as if I am a person.

Dr.

Randolph and his team were recognized as “Heart Heroes” by Ed and Judy Anderson. They were honored to receive their pins and gave Ed a thumbs up after he

SURVIVING SURVIVING

AGAINST ALL ODDS AGAINST ALL ODDS

ED ANDERSON SPENT 155 DAYS AT OKLAHOMA HEART FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE - FROM HALLOWEEN TO EASTER - CAN YOU IMAGINE?

Life can change in an instant. For Ed and Judy Anderson, that life-changing moment came when they both unexpectedly tested positive for COVID in October 2020, long before vaccines were available. They were in shock, unsure of how it could happen to them after taking every precaution. In fact, they didn’t even know anyone who had tested positive at the time.

Judy had only mild cold-like symptoms and recovered quickly. Ed wasn’t so fortunate.

He started struggling to breathe and lacked enough air to speak With worry in her heart, Judy called their OHH care team, led by Dr John Randolph, for advice He agreed it was time to get Ed some much-needed help The Andersons packed a bag and drove over 100 miles to the hospital they trusted the most, the Oklahoma Heart Hospital After 10 days at OHH, they returned to Ada and hoped he could recover at home

But Ed took a turn for the worse. After just one week at home, they made the journey back to OHH and prayed that they’d only be there for a few days. Then days slowly became weeks, and weeks turned into months.

And he fought with all his might, but his health was simply not improving and his oxygen levels just kept dropping He had lost nearly 45 pounds and was physically and mentally exhausted His lungs desperately needed to rest and heal, and the grim reality was that Ed needed to be put on a ventilator The Andersons were terrified and now facing the very real prospect of death

“We planned Ed’s funeral several times and went through who would be pallbearers… and even called in our kids before he was put on the ventilator. We just didn’t know if he was going to make it.”

nd night, Ed’s care team worked together to tive ways to help him heal and lift his ter being at OHH for so long, everyone was round Ed and encouraging him to keep not just the medical staff at his bedside, the housekeepers, food services staff, s, and more. They truly became more like a amily.

It’s hard to put into words. The way I was feeling, heaven would be a lot better place to be. It’s the roughest thing I’ve ever been through in my entire life. But everyone kept telling me to keep fighting.

Pictured (from left): Boadie, Judy, Ed and John Anderson at their family business, Anderson Quarries, in Ada, Oklahoma

As the months passed, the Andersons experienced miracles big and small and more acts of kindness than they could count. And although they were living in a nightmare, what they remember most are the extraordinary people they met and the endless moments that touched their hearts. Moments like when Dr. Eva Sawheny, Ed’s pulmonologist, surprised him with a heartfelt gift from her two young daughters. One evening after work, they asked their mom about her day She was honest and shared that she was trying to help a sweet patient who was very sick Her daughters could tell

Moments like these are what motivated Ed to keep making small steps toward 155 days at OHH – from Halloween to Easter – he defied all odds and finally went

Ed and Judy were full of such immense gratitude that they were inspired to pa gratitude into a gift, they made a donation to the OHH Research Foundation in ho who never stopped believing in Ed. “One of the ways we wanted to thank everyone is through the foundation. We wanted to do something that let them know, ‘We love you!’" Ed said.

Today, Ed is still trying to get back to his old self. He is back to working as much as he can and enjoying precious time with his family. The special painting is proudly displayed in their home – a daily remin All the special moments they experienced will be etched in their hearts forever, a for everyone at OHH who gave Ed the gift of life

I’ve often said you can’t get through life without help, and I was very fortunate to have them get me through these difficult times and truly experience what caring and loving is.

I just can't thank them enough.

“Once you’ve life, mone know it can he

H O W W I L L Y O U L E A V E Y O U R H O W W I L L Y O U L E A V E Y O U R

JOIN THE OHHRF LEGACY SOCIETY

Legacy?

PLANNED GIVING: THE BENEFITS

Some investments in OHHRF "give back" to you and can provide extra retirement income

Add meaning to your gift by honoring someone special Defer or reduce your taxes

Above all, when you leave a legacy gift, you partner with OHHRF as we explore, discover – even transform – the world of cardiovascular care, and share the rewards through a return on investment measured in innovation for generations to come

GIFTS THROUGH YOUR ESTATE

GIFTS THROUGH RETIREMENT PLAN OR IRA

NAMING GIFTS TO LEAVE A LEGACY

Gifts made af commonly kn be changed a significant gif

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK TO YOU

You can also respected ph naming a res Oklahoma He levels and cri

There are several different types of income-producing gifts, each with different benefits and requirements. Some examples include Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, and Charitable Lead Trusts. These types of gifts offer many advantages by providing tax savings, charitable deductions, and regular payments to you and your spouse or partner for life

To leave a legacy gift, simply use the following language:

Please contact us if you have already included OHHRF in your estate plans

let us help you leave your legacy

meaning and purpose

The hallways of the Oklahoma Heart Hospital are always filled with laughter when John “Woody” Woodson is here to visit. The feisty 82-year-old Oklahoma City native has been coming to OHH for as long as he can remember. One of Woody’s first experiences at OHH was back in the 90s when he met Dr. Chris Kerns while caring for his mother.

“I was always really impressed with him and how he cared for my mom, so I decided I’d better become his patient as well since heart problems run in my family,” Woody recalled.

And the timing couldn’t have been better. A handful of concerning test results caught Dr. Kerns’ attention right from the start. He kept a very close eye on Woody for the next few years, but this ultimately landed Woody a date for open-heart surgery followed by a week-long hospital stay. It was during his recovery that Woody experienced top-notch care and gained an even higher admiration for OHH.

The next 20 years were filled with many more milestones – a stent, heart cath, a few ablations, monthly labs, visits with his favorite cardiologist – and endless moments of gratitude.

Dr. Kerns will soon be closing the chapter on his time at OHH and enjoying a well-deserved retirement – and Woody just had to thank him in person one final time. There in the hallway at OHH, they told stories, shared memories, and of course, a few laughs.

Then one final handshake. Words of gratitude. A genuine farewell.

“I wish you a retirement full of meaning and purpose, Dr. Kerns. That’s all that really counts in life,” Woody said, sharing advice he also tries to live by. As Woody walked away, he reminisced about the decades of memories with Dr. Kerns at OHH.

“I honestly believe that Dr. Kerns and the Oklahoma Heart Hospital are the reason I’m alive today,” he said with a grateful heart. You see, after everything he’s been through, each trip around the sun truly feels like a particular blessing.

In turn, Woody longed to show his appreciation by doing something full of meaning and purpose. He dreamed of giving back to a place that has made a lasting impact on his life – a place that has added not only years to his life but life to his years. However, providing that support now is simply not an option for him.

“I truly do believe in Oklahoma Heart Hospital and the OHH Research Foundation, and I really would love to be a donor every month, but I just can’t. I’m a guy that just put all my money into savings and investments.”

While giving today may not be a possibility for Woody, he found a different way to show his gratitude: leaving a legacy. He graciously named OHHRF as a beneficiary of half of his TD Ameritrade stock portfolio – a gift that allows Woody to sprinkle his gratitude throughout the halls of OHH long after he is gone.

A legacy full of meaning and purpose.

"I honestly believe that Dr. Kerns and the Oklahoma Heart Hospital are the reason I’m alive today.”

-John "Woody" Woodson

-Woody

In my humble opinion, OHH is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

DONATE TODAY DONATE TODAY

There are so many ways you can make a difference! Whether it's through a one-time or recurring gift, planned giving or honoring a loved one, your donation will provide hope and healing to thousands of patients battling heart disease. Donors with annual gifts of $1,000 or more will be recognized as a member of our Giving Hearts Circle. OHHRF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN 73-1455900. Gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.

special ways to donate

HONOR YOUR HEART HERO HONOR YOUR HEART HERO

A meaningful way to say thank you if you received exceptional care at OHH - includes a special card and "Heart Hero" pin for the recipient.

IN HONOR IN HONOR

For special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and thank you's - special notification card for the honoree included!

IN MEMORY IN MEMORY

A beautiful way to make a difference and also remember a loved one - special notification card for the family included.

how

BY MAIL

Checks payable to OHHRF OHHRF

4200 W. Memorial Road Suite 510

Oklahoma City, OK 73120

ONLINE ONLINE

Go to www.bit.ly/OHHRFdonate or scan the QR code

BY PHONE PHONE

Our deepest gratitude to those who choose OHHRF as a recipient of memorial gifts in lieu of flowers - what a privilege it is to continue their legacies by helping others with heart disease.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS IRA DISTRIBUTION IRA

If you are age 72 or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA can be used to meet your annual required minimum distribution, which lowers your taxable income

JOIN CLUB OHHRF OHHRF

I N T H E F I G H T planned giving

Sign-up for monthly recurring gifts - a little each month goes a long way!

Call (405) 608-1228 to process your donation over the phone

VENMO

@OHHRF

QUESTIONS? QUESTIONS?

(405) 608-1228

To leave a legacy gift, simply use the following language: "I give to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital Research Foundation, EIN #73-1455900, a nonprofit corporation in Oklahoma, a specific sum of ($) or (%) of my estate to be used to continue its mission." If you have decided to make a planned gift, please contact us so we can properly acknowledge your donation. Often times financial institutions do not provide donor information. Also, we’d like to invite you to be a member of our new Legacy Society, which gives you access to exclusive opportunities.