Abbott, Damar Hamlin Team Up for New HeartMates Program

Abbott revealed today that its new Abbott HeartMates program will kick off with professional football player Damar Hamlin as its first Ambassador.
 
The HeartMates program seeks to build a community of support for patients and caregivers affected by heart conditions. Abbott said the program will help participants share stories and gain emotional support, as well as connect with other people undergoing similar heart health journeys.
 
“After experiencing a cardiovascular event that changed my life, I know the power and importance of having an engaged team to lean on for mental and physical recovery,” Hamlin told the press. “I’m partnering with Abbott to launch HeartMates because we share a vision to offer the support and encouragement I received after my incident, so others feel empowered to achieve their own comeback stories.”
 
The company said the team will be made up of people directly or indirectly affected by a heart condition including cardiovascular patients, their caregivers, healthcare providers, friends, and family. Team members will work directly with Abbott and Hamlin as program ambassadors and promote the HeartMates community-building tenants to those affected by heart conditions.
 
Abbott said those who would like to nominate someone they know or submit themselves to be considered for the HeartMates team are encouraged to share their heart stories with Abbott and Hamlin via email at [email protected]. The inaugural HeartMates team will be drafted in early 2024.
 
“At Abbott, we pour our hearts into developing innovative medical devices that empower people to come back from cardiovascular events,” said Nadim Geloo, MD, senior director of medical affairs in Abbott’s Structural Heart business. “However, nobody makes a comeback alone. Our HeartMates program creates a community of support and resources for those navigating their heart health and embodies our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.”