WNBA Star Uses Salary To Promote Heart Health Awareness

In the wake of her aunt’s death, New York Liberty center Tina Charles decided to turn the loss into a positive.  The 2012 League MVP started Hopey’s Heart Foundation after her aunt passed away from multiple organ failure.  The foundation raises awareness about heart health, provides free CPR training and livesaving AEDs in schools, communities, and recreational centers.

This year, Charles donated half of her own WNBA salary to purchase 100 automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).  In addition to the $50,000 of her own money, Charles were also able to raise $48,000 for the foundation.

“It means everything. When I started with this foundation I just wanted something to be in my aunt’s name,” Charles said. “I see it as the more AEDs out there we can help combat sudden cardiac arrest. The more AEDs out there the better chance people will have.”

Kudos to Tina Charles!