The Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation is off to a Spectacular Start

Honorary Chairman with special guest, Billy Tauzin, CEO PhRMA lead the Thursday, June 22 nd Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation Kick-Off, hosted by PhRMA.  

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Mike Castle, Jo Ann Emerson, Mike Rogers and Billy Tauzin show their support at the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation's Kick-Off Reception. The Kick-Off Reception raised over $20,000 that will be put towards the Inaugural Golf Tournament on Monday, September 25 th in Alexandria, VA. Sponsorship Opportunities are still available for the golf tournament.

The Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded by Karie and Scott Kappes. The Kappes' started the foundation after the death of their son, Ryan Scott Kappes. Ryan battled a congenital heart defect and died at the age of 10 weeks on January 30, 2006.

The mission of the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation is to provide financial assistance to families of cardiac children facing extended hospital stays, and to donate money to organizations or individuals dedicated to the advancement of pediatric cardiac research.

“I was lucky enough to meet Ryan Scott Kappes and experience the joy that he brought to all of those around him. While his passing brought all of us great sadness, the foundation set up in his name will hopefully help so many families who have infants and other family members going through similar medical conditions. A family faces countless emotional and physical challenges when a loved one is sick and finances only add to that burden. The goal of this Foundation is to help in some small ay offset the financial hardship, so families can spend their time together during such a rough time. I strongly stand behind the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation and hope to see its growth as time passes and others realize the importance of its mission,” Castle said.

“It is fitting that the memory of Ryan Scott Kappes should inspire us to do good on his behalf for other families which must go through the trying ordeal of having a baby with severe cardiac difficulties. The mission statement of the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation describes how this organization will meet the unique needs of parents who give birth to babies that must fight for every minute of their lives, often involving lengthy hospital stays among other expenses. I am grateful to the Kappes family for honoring their son by reaching out to other families, and I wish them the very best of luck on this important, generous mission,” said U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson.

“I commend Karie and Scott for their strength in creating the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation in honor of their son Ryan so that his legacy may live on to assist others in need. Raising awareness of this issue – just as this foundation has done since it began in February – is essential to help educate the public about treatment options for those suffering from congenital abnormalities. PhRMA applauds the generosity of the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation and their efforts to contribute significant resources to pediatric cardiac research to help patients sped more time with their loved ones, and more importantly, live longer, healthier lives,” said PhRMA CEO Billy Tauzin.

To make donations or for more information on the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation please contact Karie Kappes at P.O. BOX 30647 – Wilmington, DE, 19805 or visit their website at www.ryanscottkappesfoundation.org .