The Foundation was formed in 2006, to honor David’s memory by promoting the importance of heart health in teen athletes and educating the public on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the leading cause of death in teen athletes. The foundation is multipurpose with its primary mission of Prevention, Prediction and Preparedness.

To date the Foundation has funded $200,000 for research through The David Heller Center for HCM at the Providence Heart Institute. Through partnerships with Legacy Health and Providence Play Smart, we sponsor cardiac screening of teenage athletes to alert teens and families of any abnormal heart conditions and educate the public on the importance of cardiac screening. Over 42,000 teens have been screened. The Foundation purchases, donates and distributes portable Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to schools and sports teams and organizations throughout the region to ensure easy access and fast response if an emergency arises on the field, on the bus or in the gym. Over 390 AEDs have been donated.

In addition to the primary mission, the Foundation also awards scholarships for secondary education to deserving students that meet the criteria established by the Board.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) and is qualified as a Public Charity (tax ID 20-4974161). 

The Board of Directors and several committees work to carry out the mission of the foundation.