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The Hannah Wernke Memorial Foundation was created in memory of Hannah who fell victim to Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia, or CPVT, and passed away on May 15, 2005.
Hannah was eight years old, a resident of Strongsville, Ohio and a second grader at Kinsner Elementary. Hannah was a very active child, had many friends, loved life to it’s fullest, and dreamed of being a teacher.
The goal of the Hannah Wernke Memorial Foundation is to Build awareness of and to raise funds benefiting CPVT genetic heart research. And, if fund raising goals are met, to award scholarships for graduating High School Seniors from Strongsville, Ohio who plan to major in education.
Research
The Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, directed by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman, M.D., Ph.D., is dedicated to exposing the genetic causes behind these tragedies, specifically those that disrupt the heart’s electrical system. Dr. Ackerman is working to identify the genetic causes behind CPVT and to figuring out ways to defuse or protect patients from this ticking time bomb.
Our Mission: To raise funds for CPVT heart arrhythmia research through the Mayo Clinic, to build awareness of heart arrhythmia disorders such as CPVT, and to fund two college scholarships for graduating High School Seniors from Strongsville, Ohio who plan to major in education.
Benefactors / Scholarships
Hannah Wernke Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund for Education Students. This scholarship is limited to students majoring in education because Hannah always said she would someday be a teacher.
A one time non-renewable scholarship of $1,500 will be awarded to (2) graduating high school seniors who are residents of Strongsville and who will pursue a degree in Education at a 4 year accredited institution.
Criteria based on:
- Strongsville, Ohio resident
- Intention on teaching
- Completion of required application
- Academic Achievement and Financial Need may be considered
Why was the Hannah Wernke Memorial Foundation Created?
The Hannah Wernke Memorial Foundation was created in memory of Hannah who fell victim to Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia, or CPVT, and passed away on May 15, 2005. Hannah was eight years old, a resident of Strongsville, Ohio and a second grader at Kinsner Elementary. Hannah was a very active child, had many friends, loved life to it’s fullest, and dreamed of being a teacher.
Tragically, thousands of infants, children like Hannah, adolescents, and young adults die suddenly and unexpectedly every year from undiagnosed heart arrhythmias. CPVT is one such heart arrhythmia. Other related arrhythmias include Long QT, ARVD and Brugada’s Syndrome.
Often there are no clues to the cause of death and the case is closed as sudden unexplained death. In the case of an infant, it is called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and in the case of a child, it is called Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).
- CPVT is a genetic disorder of the heart’s electrical system.
- CPVT is highly lethal heart arrhythmia that typically emerges during physical exertion or emotional stress/excitement.
- There isn’t any known diagnostic test for CPVT beyond a “chance” ECG reading or genetic testing.
- The first indication of CPVT is often exercise induced fainting or seizures.
- CPVT is thought to affect as many as 1 in 10,000 people.
- 60% of people experience their first episode by the age of 20.
- Approximately 15% of unexplained deaths of young people may be attributed to CPVT.
The hope of the Hannah Wernke Memorial Foundation is to prevent other families from suffering the loss that has been felt since Hannah died. With your help, CPVT will be diagnosed and treated before it is too late.
The HWMF, with funding from the Rite Aid Foundation, may be able to provide some assistance with CPVT testing. Please see the following information for what the testing is, eligibility, application forms, questions and answers, etc.
CPVT Test Assistance – Introduction Letter
CPVT Testing – Questions & Answers
CPVT Testing – Assistance Program Application
CPVT Testing – Assistance Participation Survey
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