The Kyle John Rymiszewski Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in loving memory of our son, Kyle, who lost his life at age 15 when his heart of gold stopped beating. At birth, Kyle was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a chronic heart disease where the myocardium (heart muscle) is thickened. As a result, the heart cannot relax or contract normally. Eventually, it can lose its ability to pump blood effectively.

The foundation is dedicated to making a difference for those afflicted with this terrible disease and is currently focusing in 2 areas:

• increasing awareness
• funding research aimed at improving treatment outcomes

Over the past several years, we have increased the awareness of this disease by partnering with WDET 101.9FM, Wayne State University’s NPR station. You may have listened to one of Kyle’s Challenges, usually hosted in December, when WDET commits an entire day of fund-raising to benefit not only the Kyle John Rymiszewski Foundation but other local Detroit area youth-based nonprofit organizations. Over $150,000 in free promotional airtime has been provided to more than 15 organizations.

What’s even more exciting is that the Kyle John Rymiszewski Foundation has committed to support research! In March 2016, the Kyle John Rymiszewski Foundation, in partnership with Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation, established a research scholarship in Kyle’s memory. The first scholarship was awarded to Dr. Paul Barach, and we were ecstatic to have hired someone with his credentials in the inaugural year of this research scholar position.

In the second year of the position, we were equally excited to award the scholarship to Dr. Neha Bensal. She is one of the strongest rising stars in the field, representing the next generation of leaders. She has already completed much work on pediatric cardiomyopathy research during the past several years working with Dr. Steve Lipshultz, Pediatrician in Chief at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Dr. Bensal continues to contribute in her current role.

There have been 3 other research scholars named by the Kyle John Rymiszewski Foundation who have made significant contributions to the advancement of treatment. We are committed to funding the research scholarship in perpetuity.

Please consider supporting the Kyle John Foundation with a donation so that we can continue to make a difference for kids afflicted with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

In sincere appreciation for your interest,

Aimée Cowher

Kyle’s Mom

501(3)c EIN 27-2862753