Heart disease runs in Steve Hirt’s family. He’s had open-heart surgery himself, so it’s no wonder that he has made supporting The Heart Institute of Doylestown Hospital a personal mission.

Steve is one of the longest-serving members of the Friends of The Heart Institute. His involvement began 25 years ago, when a group of former patients and other interested gentlemen formed The Heart Club. A few years ago, the club’s name changed to Friends of The Heart Center, then recently became Friends of The Heart Institute.

The Friends’ goals have evolved over time as well. At first the agenda of each member was simple: Make an annual gift of at least $100 and attend the annual luncheon. Today its members, both men and women, are busy raising funds to support state-of-the-art care, serving as a resource for heart patients and families, and sponsoring educational programs. Various special events and membership monies fund the group’s activities.

“Our support cuts across all cardiac services, including catheterization, electrophysiology, rehab, surgery, testing and nursing care,” Steve explains. “It helps assure that Doylestown Hospital has the very finest for its patients.”

Steve, like many of the Friends, has been a Heart Institute patient. With his family history, he says he knew it was a matter of when, not if, he would need heart care.

“I knew when the time came, this is where I wanted to go,” Steve says. “They saved my life. I’m extraordinarily grateful.”

To learn more about how you can become a “friend” and support this important mission, call 215-345-2122.