The Foundation provides funding for college scholarships and to support medical research, awareness, and early detection of cardiomyopathy.
The Ken Carlson Jr. Memorial Foundation honors Ken’s legacy by supporting initiatives that make a lasting difference. Through scholarships, cardiomyopathy awareness, and medical research support, we work to provide opportunities for students and help protect the lives of others.
The Ken Carlson, Jr. Memorial Foundation funds free cardiac screenings throughout Southern California for young athletes and their families, through our partnership with Heartfelt Cardiac Connections. Heartfelt conducts screening events in local communities and provides the echocardiogram (ECHO) and electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) equipment, medical staff and cardiologists. Heartfelt has been conducting screenings for over 25 years, in individuals as young as 5 years old, with over 60,000 people screened.
The Foundation also funds education to help improve understanding and early identification of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, such as our grant for a lecture series on HCM through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition that affects approximately 1 in 500 people. It occurs when the heart muscle becomes thickened, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Early detection, awareness, and proper management can help individuals with HCM live active and fulfilling lives.
Understanding Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition that affects approximately 1 in 500 people. It is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people, and it can affect individuals of all ages and fitness levels. HCM occurs when the heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. While there is no cure for HCM, early detection and proper management can help individuals with the condition live full and active lives.
The Ken Carlson, Jr. Memorial Foundation funds scholarships for students for college education, enabling them to pursue their educational goals to develop pathways to personal and professional growth.
The Ken Carlson, Jr. Memorial Foundation provides the following An annual scholarship to a graduating senior at Whippany Park High School(New Jersey) matriculating to a four-year academic institution.
Every year, the Foundation continues to make a difference through scholarships, community programs, and support for cardiomyopathy awareness and research. Our impact is measured through the lives supported, families reached, and communities strengthened.
Screenings happen through trusted clinical and athletic partners. Scholarships are awarded directly to students. Both are made possible by your support.
In partnership with Heartfelt Cardiac Projects, we host free screening days for athletes ages 12–25. Each student receives a health history review, blood pressure check, and a non-invasive ECG read by a volunteer cardiologist. Families leave the same day with results and, when needed, a referral pathway.
A defibrillator only saves a life if it is present, charged, and someone knows where it is. We fund AED placement in schools and athletic facilities, delivered in partnership with organizations that provide the equipment, installation, and support.
We fund CPR and emergency-response training for coaches, athletic trainers, teachers, students, and parents, delivered by qualified program partners. Training covers hands-only CPR, AED use, and the first three minutes of an emergency the window that determines survival.
Protocols are designed and supervised by cardiologists. We never substitute enthusiasm for medical rigor.
Screenings and training are offered at no cost. Sponsorship and donor support carry the program cost, not the families we serve.
We stay with a school after the screening day devices, plans, and refresher training keep readiness from expiring.
Every dollar raised funds scholarships for students and research into cardiomyopathy detection and treatment.
