Mended Hearts is a United States-based charity which functions as a support group for individuals suffering from heart disease. It was founded in 1951 by cardiac surgeon Dwight Harken.[1] Harken was the first surgeon in history to repeatedly perform successful heart surgery. Harken invited post-surgery and prospective heart patients to meet for mutual encouragement and support. These patients spoke of their "mended hearts". Mended Hearts offers a program for the families of children born with congenital heart defects known as Mended Little Hearts.[2]
Mended Hearts partners with 460 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics across the United States, with 285 chapters employing 21,000 volunteers.
