Mario Lemieux was in Pittsburgh on Wednesday for a major donation to Allegheny Health Network.
The Lemieux Foundation and Highmark Health made a $5 million commitment to the AHN Cardiovascular Institute, establishing The Mario Lemieux Center for Heart Rhythm Care. The center strengthens AHN's cardiac electrophysiology program led by Dr. Emit Thosani, and will help drive clinical care, research and technological innovations for patients with atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders.
Lemieux was diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation, in 2005.
“All of our major gifts have a personal connection," Lemieux said. "We are thrilled to renew one that will further benefit those seeking treatment for a heart rhythm condition in western Pennsylvania. Our support ensures that Dr. Thosani and his team’s remarkable contributions to the field continue to excel right here in Pittsburgh.”
The Lemieux Foundation previously donated $1 million to AHN's cardiac electrophysiology program in 2019, establishing the Mario Lemieux Innovation and Research Fund to support medical research and the development of innovative therapies and technologies for heart rhythm disorders. Highmark Health matched the $1 million donation in 2019.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Mario Lemieux Foundation for its support of our Living Health model and mission to create remarkable health experiences and outcomes for our patients,” said Mitch Beckman, Highmark Health’s chief development officer. “The Foundation’s generous support of AHN’s electrophysiology team will help drive continuing innovation in the program that will benefit patients in our region for generations to come.”
