Sepsis Alliance Announces Grant from Edwards Lifesciences Foundation for Sepsis Prevention and Awareness

Foundation of global medical technology firm unveiled its support of Sepsis Alliance at recent Sepsis Heroes gala. Edwards Foundation was one of the earliest supporters of organization, helping fund sepsis awareness, prevention, and education efforts since 2009.

SAN DIEGO (October 12, 2016) – Sepsis Alliance announced that it was the recipient of a $50,000 grant from the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation. The unrestricted grant will be used to raise awareness of sepsis, the third leading cause of death in the United States, and help fund prevention and education programs throughout the country.

The grant award was unveiled by the Foundation at Sepsis Alliance’s 2016 Sepsis Heroes gala in New York City on September 15, 2016.

“The CDC recently declared sepsis as a medical emergency,” said Thomas Heymann, Executive Director of Sepsis Alliance. “With more organizations recognizing sepsis as an emergency, this grant from the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation will help us build critical resources and support for sepsis patients, family members, health providers, and the general public.”

“The mission of Sepsis Alliance is to save lives by raising awareness of sepsis as a medical emergency,” said Amanda Fowler, Executive Director, Global Corporate Giving at Edwards Lifesciences. “We are proud to support this work and provide the opportunity to take their educational and awareness outreach to a broader group of clinicians, patients and caregivers who will benefit from better informed diagnoses and care.”

According to the 2016 Sepsis Alliance Awareness Survey, conducted by Harris Poll, only 55 percent of American adults have ever heard of sepsis, while it is the third leading cause of death in the country. It is also the most expensive healthcare expense, incurring costs of $24 billion a year for acute hospital care alone. Sepsis is also the leading cause of death in hospitals, as well as the leading cause for readmissions.

Studies have shown that early recognition and prompt treatment of sepsis can reduce mortality, as well as the many common lasting effects from sepsis, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), limb amputations, chronic pain, and more.

“While we have more work to do, we are grateful for Edwards’ support in building a community focused on improving outcomes for sepsis patients and their loved ones. This is truly helping us move the needle forward, and we are very appreciative for their continued support.”

About Sepsis Alliance

Sepsis Alliance is the leading nonprofit patient advocacy organization in North America. Sepsis Alliance’s mission is to save lives by raising awareness of sepsis as a medical emergency. The organization works with multiple partners to host national and local community events, distribute educational information, and promote training and education on sepsis prevention, early recognition, and treatment. Sepsis Alliance also supports sepsis survivors and family members with information about sepsis and post sepsis syndrome, as well as a Faces of Sepsis community forum. The sepsis.org website receives more than 1 million visits each year. Sepsis Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is a GuideStar Gold Rated Charity. For more information, please visit www.sepsis.org.

About Edwards Lifesciences and Edwards Lifesciences Foundation

Edwards Lifesciences, based in Irvine, Calif., is the global leader in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care and surgical monitoring. Driven by a passion to help patients, the company collaborates with the world’s leading clinicians and researchers to address unmet healthcare needs, working to improve patient outcomes and enhance lives. For more information, visit www.Edwards.com and follow the company on Twitter @EdwardsLifesci. In 2004, the company established what is now Edwards Lifesciences Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting underserved heart valve and critically ill patients, as well as strengthening the communities in which Edwards employees live and work. Since its inception, the foundation has gifted more than $40 million to non-profit organizations. Additional information can be found at www.Edwards.com/CorporateGiving.