Business Details
25 Years
experience
Trusted Pediatric Cardiology Support in Baton Rouge
Founded in 2001, the Louisiana Pediatric Cardiology Foundation (LPCF) has dedicated itself to alleviating the financial burdens faced by families seeking life-saving cardiac care for their children. Our organization provides critical financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket expenses related to travel, lodging, and medical necessities, ensuring families can access specialized care regardless of financial constraints. With over two decades of service, we have awarded $674,000 in grants and conducted 12,000 free heart screenings for high school athletes to detect life-threatening conditions like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Our team combines deep personal experience with professional expertise, including staff members who have navigated congenital heart defects firsthand.We maintain strict compliance with ethical standards, transparency in operations, and partnerships with leading pediatric cardiologists to ensure reliable, trustworthy support. Our commitment to community health is further demonstrated through annual fundraisers and educational initiatives that raise awareness about congenital heart defects, which affect 1 in 100 newborns nationwide. By focusing on both immediate financial relief and preventive care, we strive to be a respected leader in pediatric cardiac support within Louisiana and beyond.
Services
Financial Assistance Grants
High School Heart Screenings
Congenital Heart Defect Support
Medical Expense Reimbursement
Cardiac Awareness Programs
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We have awarded $674,000 in financial assistance to Louisiana heart families since 2001
- Our free heart screening program has tested 12,000 high school athletes for life-threatening conditions
- Our team includes heart parents with firsthand experience navigating congenital heart defects
- We maintain partnerships with leading pediatric cardiologists across Louisiana
- Our grant application process ensures timely financial support before scheduled surgeries
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
What people say
Life-saving heart screenings
Critical financial support
Compassionate team
Transparent operations
Community impact
Services
Financial Assistance Grants
Our financial assistance program helps Louisiana families cover out-of-pocket expenses for children's life-saving heart surgeries. We provide grants for travel, lodging, meals, and medical necessities not covered by insurance. Eligible families must reside in designated parishes and demonstrate financial need related to congenital heart defect treatments.
High School Heart Screenings
The 'Save A Heart. Save A Life.' program offers free cardiac screenings for high school athletes to detect Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and other life-threatening conditions. Each screening includes EKG and echocardiogram analysis by pediatric cardiologists, with follow-up evaluations for 5% of participants showing abnormal results.
Congenital Heart Defect Support
We provide comprehensive support for families dealing with congenital heart defects, including guidance through medical journeys and access to community resources. Our team includes heart parents with personal experience navigating complex cardiac care systems and insurance challenges.
Medical Expense Reimbursement
Our grants reimburse families for non-covered medical expenses including home oxygen, pulse ox machines, and prescription co-payments related to congenital heart defects. The program specifically addresses costs that remain after insurance coverage, helping families avoid financial ruin during critical treatment periods.
Cardiac Awareness Programs
We conduct educational initiatives about congenital heart defects and sudden cardiac death prevention, reaching thousands annually through screenings and community outreach. Our programs emphasize early detection and provide critical information about heart health risks for children and athletes.
People
Angelle Bourgeois
Director of Operations
Mother of a child born with a complex congenital heart defect, Angelle has advocated for heart families since 2003. She transitioned from board leadership to direct operations in 2018, managing grants programs and fundraising efforts that have raised over $1 million for heart families.
Rebecca Savoie Hood
Heart Screens Coordinator
Born with eight ventricular septal defects, Rebecca underwent two open-heart surgeries before age 10. A registered cardiac sonographer since 2019, she coordinates heart screenings for high school athletes while continuing her family's legacy of supporting pediatric cardiology through LPCF.
Ralph Stephens
President
A certified public accountant with specialized credentials in forensic accounting, Ralph leads LPCF's financial stewardship. He brings professional expertise in financial management to ensure responsible handling of donations that support life-saving cardiac care for Louisiana children.
Michael Crapanzano
Founder
A practicing pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Crapanzano co-founded LPCF in 2001 after recognizing families' financial struggles accessing specialized care. He continues to provide medical expertise and leadership in directing the foundation's mission to support heart families across Louisiana.
V. Todd Viator
Past President
With a PhD in strategic solutions, Todd previously led LPCF as president, applying his expertise in organizational development to expand the foundation's impact. He continues to contribute strategic guidance while maintaining professional leadership in convergent solutions consulting.
Questions
What financial assistance does LPCF provide for heart surgeries?
We cover travel, lodging, meals, oxygen, medical equipment, and prescription co-pays for Louisiana families seeking life-saving heart surgeries for children with congenital heart defects.
Who qualifies for LPCF heart surgery grants?
Louisiana residents in designated parishes with children undergoing inpatient cardiac care, facing out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance or third-party payers.
How do high school heart screenings work?
We provide free EKG and echocardiogram screenings at schools or our Baton Rouge office to detect Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and other cardiac abnormalities in student athletes.
How many heart screenings has LPCF completed?
Since 2012, we've conducted 12,000 free heart screenings for high school athletes, identifying several cases requiring life-saving interventions.
How quickly are grant applications processed?
Completed applications are reviewed bimonthly, with decisions communicated within 3-4 weeks. We aim to send checks one week before scheduled surgeries when applications are submitted timely.
Can families apply for multiple grants?
Yes, children can receive up to 2 grants per year to support multiple cardiac procedures or extended treatment requirements related to congenital heart defects.
