Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Launches Philanthropic Initiative To Impact Global Burden Of Heart Valve Disease

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - April 28, 2014) -

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW), the global leader in the science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring, announced today that it has launched a significant, multi-year philanthropic initiative -- themed Every Heartbeat Matters -- with a goal that, by 2020, its philanthropy will impact the global burden of heart valve disease by supporting the education, screening and treatment of one million underserved people.

As shared with non-profit partners in December, the company will celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Edwards Lifesciences Fund (The Fund) this year by launching a charitable initiative focused on achieving one specific goal. Every Heartbeat Matters was unveiled at an event on April 27 at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Annual Meeting currently underway in Toronto. Joining Edwards for the launch were top leaders from AATS, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, Patient Advocate Foundation, Society of Thoracic Surgeons and WomenHeart, who expressed their engagement with Edwards’ philanthropy to achieve the initiative goal in front of attending clinicians and non-profit partners.

“By focusing our philanthropy on a particular problem that we know well -- the global burden of heart valve disease -- we hope to drive a meaningful change for underserved patients,” said Michael A. Mussallem, Edwards Lifesciences’ chairman and CEO. “Through Every Heartbeat Matters, we want to inspire the most creative non-profit minds to join us as we seek to address challenging issues to help vulnerable patients on their path to wellness.”

“We estimate that more than 6 million people in the U.S. and millions more around the world suffer from heart valve disease -- a disease that is largely treatable when resources are available,” said Pedro J. del Nido, AATS president-elect, at the launch event. “Speaking for the AATS Council, we are excited to work with Edwards’ philanthropy to develop new innovative ideas to address an issue that impacts so many of our patients.”

The company plans to continue supporting other health- and community-focused programs through The Fund, while committing at least half of its charitable grants during the six-year period ending in 2020 to Every Heartbeat Matters. In 2013, The Fund gifted $5.5 million to hundreds of non-profit organizations around the world and the company expects to continue growing its giving consistent with its success. More information about Every Heartbeat Matters can be found at www.EveryHeartbeatMatters.com.

About Edwards Lifesciences and The Edwards Lifesciences Fund
Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader in the science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring. Driven by a passion to help patients, the company partners with clinicians to develop innovative technologies in the areas of structural heart disease and critical care monitoring, enabling them to save and enhance lives. In 2004, the company established The Edwards Lifesciences Fund at the Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program to support advancements in knowledge and improvements in quality-of-life, focusing primarily upon cardiovascular disease and the communities where its employees live and work. The Fund’s mission is fulfilled by making grants to qualified charitable organizations. Additional information about the company and its Fund can be found at www.edwards.com.

Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences the stylized E logo, and Every Heartbeat Matters are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.