Every year in Australia, 25,000 people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

For many, the holiday season brings joyous family reunions and is a time of togetherness. However, for some, it serves as a sombre reminder of a loved one lost to heart disease.

Jessica Maris unfortunately knows this too well. She lost her husband, Bryan, to a sudden cardiac arrest in 2015. Eight years on she continues to be served a painful memory of the tragedy, particularly during this time of the year.   

Learn more about Jessica’s emotional story below and how your gift can help fund ground-breaking research that drives real progress in the fight against sudden cardiac death and heart disease. Together we can, and we will, make a difference.

“My hope is that together, we can form a voice loud enough to make a difference. A voice loud enough to help end the heartache and help prevent other families being impacted by sudden cardiac arrests” – Jessica Maris

Jessica tragically lost her husband when he suffered a cardiac arrest at the age of 31. Torn by her loss, Jessica is dedicated to bridging the gap between cardiac research and live-saving intervention, so no family must experience heartache like she did.

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$50

Could cover the cost of basic tools researchers need to grow heart cells, such as syringes, test tubes, and flasks

$100

Can help provide a DNA test to help pinpoint genetic risk factors for heart disease

$250

Could help cover the cost of materials to grow heart cells for research projects

With your donations, these researchers are driving real progress in the fight against sudden cardiac death and heart disease

Associate Professor

Janet Bray

Optimising the emergency management of acute cardiovascular events

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Associate Professor

Dion Stub

Systems of care in cardiac emergencies 

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Associate Professor

Mark Dennis

Transforming Cardiac Arrest Care - the right patient, the right technology and the right care model 

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Dr Elizabeth Paratz

Creating and using the world's largest multi-source cardiac arrest registry to discover causes of sudden cardiac death

Read more >

Give the gift of togetherness with e-gifting!

This holiday season, instead of purchasing yet another material gift that may be forgotten, give the gift of hope that touches the lives of countless individuals. Our online gifts are thoughtful, unique and best of all, will help the Heart Foundation continue our work towards an Australia free of heart disease. It’s a gift and a donation all in one.

$35

Help fund researchers to find new ways to grow cardiac patches that help heat the heart after a heart attack

$52

Your gift could get a whole class skipping in Jump Rope for Heart by providing 30 skipping ropes

$100

Your gift can fund a DNA test for at risk Australians to help pinpoint genetic risk factors for heart disease