Helping Heart Families

About the Program

EMF’s Helping Heart Families program aims to support families dealing with financial hardship while their heart warrior is hospitalized. During Eddie’s eight-year battle, the Mayerik Family experienced first hand, on many occasions, the toll and financial burden that comes with having a child hospitalized for extended periods of time. They received financial support from other organizations during their own journey, and now intend to pay it forward to other heart families in Eddie’s honor. 

The Helping Heart Families program aims to help families who are experiencing financial hardship related to medical care, so they can focus on what matters most. Through this program, families with a child diagnosed with a congenital or pediatric heart condition can receive up to $2,500 in financial assistance to help pay for medical bills or other costs of care. All assistance is subject to eligibility criteria and availability of funds. 

Financial assistance may be provided for:

  • Medical bills related to cardiac care
  • Medications and/or medical equipment
  • Travel and/or lodging related to cardiac care
  • Other medically necessary expenses, as approved
Apply Here

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the online form and will be reviewed on a monthly basis. Applications are currently available in English or Spanish. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Child must be diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) 
  • Child must currently be under the age of 18
  • Child is a current U.S. resident
  • Child has no familial relationship with EMF directors or officers
  • Family has not received an EMF grant within the last 12 months

Things to Know Before Applying

  • Applications are reviewed confidentially and evaluated based on need, medical necessity, and availability of funding.  
  • Applications include the following components:
    • Doctor’s letter verifying Congenital Heart Defect diagnosis-the letter must be on doctors official letterhead
    • Essay detailing the family’s hardship
    • Recommendation letter submitted by social worker or healthcare provider 
    • Patient authorization
    • Proof of residence (copy of drivers license or utility bill)
  • EMF will make payments directly to providers whenever possible.
  • At this time, financial assistance is only available for families residing in the U.S.
  • Applications must be completed entirely and truthfully; false or misleading information will result in an automatic denial.
  • EMF will aim to reply to families with a decision by the 15th of the month after which the application was submitted. 
  • We respond to all applications as quickly as possible. If your application requires urgent attention, you can email info@eddiestrong.org.