The Save a Heart Foundation of Baltimore was created more than 30 years ago, by Bernard Sapperstein. The foundation’s mission is to raise funds through fund-raising and donations to finance the purchase of equipment that would help to save the lives of people with heart disease.
Save a Heart is a nonprofit organization; since its inception, it has collected more than 8 million dollars; the donations have made possible the installation of care units in hospitals and the purchase of cardiac equipment for schools and police departments, among others.
Save a Heart have had among their contributors people that have donated their work and knowledge to the foundation in order to help others; such is the case of Mr. Sapperstein, its founder, who almost died of coronary disease; Mrs. John T. Anick, who had a heart transplant in 1968 - she was given the heart of a 30-year-old gentleman who had brain death. Also, Dr. Israel S. Zinberg made great contributions to the foundation. Being celebrated as one of the founders, he was granted the Humanitarian award for all his services to the foundation, and to the community.
The Foundation's efforts are not only focus to provide equipment to public places, but also to get involved with the community, to teach the population the basics on how to avoid cardiac diseases in general.
The foundation had made contributions to several important public organizations, including but not limited to: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center(Projector for the Division of Cardiology), Mt Washington Pediatric Hospital (Cardio Respiratory monitors for premature babies and children with cardiac and lung problems), North Charles General Hospital (formerly Homewood Hospital, cardiac equipment including telemetry and monitors).