WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- In response to the overwhelming natural disaster unfolding in America's Gulf Coast, The Larry King Cardiac Foundation (LKCF) will contribute $25,000 to the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSU-HSC) Shreveport to support the hospital's cardiac care operation as they help those affected in southern Louisiana. The grant will be matched by an equal gift of $25,000 from Cordis Corporation (a division of Johnson & Johnson), who will also donate its breakthrough CYPHER(r) Sirolimus-eluting coronary stents as needed for the duration of the relief effort. Federal Express Corporation has also joined the effort and will be transporting the stents to the medical facility.
"Heart surgery is difficult in the best of conditions. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the brave health care professionals in the Gulf Coast who are doing such extraordinary work in the most difficult of circumstances. I am grateful to Cordis and FedEx for joining us to help others," says Larry King, founder of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation and internationally renowned host of CNN's "Larry King Live."
Larry's son, Larry King, Jr., president of the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, adds, "We were in discussions with Cordis prior to the hurricane disaster to expand our life-saving cardiac efforts to patients at LSU-HSC. When the tragedy hit this area, we made our partnership a top priority to save as many lives as we can and ensure the hospital gets the support they so desperately need."
"The LSU Health Sciences Center at Shreveport is grateful to The Larry King Cardiac Foundation and to the Cordis Corporation for their support which will enhance our ability to provide our cardiac patients with the care they need," said Roy G. Clay, M.D., LSUHSC-S Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs and Medical Director.
All donations to the LKCF from now until the end of October will be directed towards the cardiac care and treatment of hurricane victims being treated at the LSU-HSC hospital. Donations are being accepted at www.lkcf.org .
About The Larry King Cardiac Foundation
Founded in 1988, The Larry King Cardiac Foundation (LKCF) provides funding for life-saving treatment for individuals who, due to limited means or inadequate insurance, would otherwise be unable to receive vital cardiac care or surgical procedures. Supported by major grants and in-kind donations from Eli Lilly and Co., Cordis Corporation, FedEx, Medtronic, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and other generous medical device and pharmaceutical companies, LKCF works in conjunction with major medical centers to ensure that such patients receive proper medical attention.
About LSU HSC
The LSU Health Sciences Foundation in Shreveport, a 501 c 3 non profit entity has as its sole mission to support, enhance and assist the LSU Health Sciences Center in its many endeavors. In this capacity, the Foundation will 1) expand the awareness of the Health Sciences Center's many contributions to medical research, education of medical professionals and quality health care (2) develop and enhance financial support for the endeavors of the Health Sciences Center in Shreveport; and (3) provide the means through which financial support is received and administered.
For more information about The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, visit www.lkcf.org or call 888/866.302.5523.
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