Our Story

We Are Better Together

Two people smiling together showing sibling love.

Our Inspiration

In 2021, Vera Sawyer’s brother Rich, survived a life-threatening thoracic aortic aneurysm and heart valve condition. Throughout his open-heart surgery and hospital recovery, Vera served as an advocate, helping guide him through a successful outcome. This experience inspired her to want to give back. In 2023, Vera founded the non-profit organization, Every HeartBeat Counts where the focus is on heart disease prevention, cardiovascular wellness and patient advocacy.  

We proudly run meaningful initiatives and our wellness and This Bear Cares gift programs.

Through the generosity of grants, donations, fundraisers, and product sales, Every HeartBeat Counts is able to bring these efforts to life. Join us in ensuring the success of our mission and the communities we serve ❣️  

Our Mission

Our mission is to raise awareness and educate about heart disease, inspire healthy hearts, and advocate through the power of gift giving.

Red heart with heartbeat line and the text 'Every HeartBeat Counts'.

Our Mission In Action

Woman holding a gift box with a golden retriever puppy inside.
A collection of colorful, decorated cards with a pink gift bag.
Families enjoying a festive event with games and prizes indoors.
A janitor cleaning a hallway with a mop and bucket.
Person holding two glasses of tropical carrot smoothies with colorful straws.
Round table set for a group activity with cards and pencils.
A diverse group of four people smiling and posing together indoors.
Group yoga session in a hallway with instructor and participants.
Group of six people posing at a university wellness pop-up event.
Ingredients for a tropical carrot smoothie arranged in bowls.
Two women crafting with colorful materials at a table indoors.
Person meditating indoors, dressed in casual sportswear.
Kids sitting around a table eating and chatting.
Person pushing a cart with white boxes and red heart decorations in a hallway.
A diverse group of healthcare professionals posing together indoors.
Two smiling women at a community health event promoting heart health awareness.
A group of children proudly holding up colorful drawings they made.
Person holding a cart with white gift bags topped with red tissue paper.

Transform Lives Through Heart Health

Join our mission to prevent heart disease through education, community engagement, and life-saving awareness programs nationwide.

Donate Now