In recognition of the Herma Heart Center’s outstanding clinical care and outcomes, advancements in the field of research and transformational philanthropic support, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is proud to introduce its new designation: the Herma Heart Institute — the first such clinical institute for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.
A HISTORY OF PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIP LEADS TO WORLD-CLASS CARE
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin recently completed an $8 million challenge from John and Susan Herma to benefit the Institute. The $16 million raised from the Herma Heart challenge since April 2017 will support research and clinical innovation, with a focus on eradicating congenital heart conditions and advancing medical care to improve the quality of life for heart patients and their families.
In total, the Herma family has donated more than $25 million over the past 30 years to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, helping to transform the cardiac program from a regional service line to an internationally recognized program pioneering advancements in surgical outcomes and clinical care.
THE HERMA FAMILY’S HISTORY OF CONTRIBUTIONS INCLUDE:
- 1994: Gave $1 million to establish the Leigh Gabrielle Herma Endowed Chair, the first cardiac endowed chair at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.
- 1996: Donated an additional ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin to meet high demand for this life-saving equipment.
- 2000: Funded the development and staffing of the Wisconsin Pediatric Cardiac Registry, the first systemic collection and analysis of data of children born with congenital heart defects in the state of Wisconsin.
- 2002: Gave $5 million to establish the Herma Heart Center, now designated the Herma Heart Institute.
- 2007: Invested $10 million in advancing congenital heart research.
INNOVATION AND INSPIRATION DRIVE HERMA HEART INSTITUTE
TOGETHER WE ARE ON A MISSION TO ERADICATE CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
Despite the incredible advancements in survival for congenital heart disease (CHD), more can be done to improve the lives of children and families who are affected. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin will continue to fundraise for the Herma Heart Institute with a new goal to raise an additional $11 million over the next five years. All gifts will advance research and clinical innovation for kids with congenital heart disease and defects. Individuals interested in supporting the Herma Heart Institute can visit chw.org/giveheart or call the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation at (414) 266-6100.
INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED HEART CARE, RIGHT HERE IN THE HEART OF THE MIDWEST
Families worldwide trust the Herma Heart Institute for compassionate, comprehensive and cutting-edge cardiac care for their children. With multiple clinic locations throughout the state of Wisconsin and hospitals located in Milwaukee and the Fox Valley, we provide the most advanced levels of care and follow-up for families, as conveniently as possible.
- Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is ranked #5 in U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Pediatric Cardiology and Heart Surgery.
- Our comprehensive heart care team includes more than 250 highly skilled staff and providers who specialize in pediatric cardiology and lead our many specialty programs.
- Pediatric heart surgery survival rates at the Institute are among the country’s best and have consistently earned us a 3-star rating — the highest possible – by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
- Patient families rate their experience with the Herma Heart Institute 4.9 out of 5 stars.
- We provide a lifetime of care, from before birth and into adulthood. Our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program is accredited as a Center of Comprehensive Care by the Adult Congenital Heart Association, the only accredited program in the state and one of only 12 in the country.
- We provide superior support for out-of-town families with coordination of travel, appointments and gathering of medical records through our Access Center.
Original article can be found on the Children’s Hospital Website