Johnnie Hoops Foundation
Awareness Can Save Lives
Every Heart Matters
Remembering Johnnie
JohnnieHoops Foundation was established in memory of John "Johnnie" Cusano, who tragically passed away at the age of 19 from undiagnosed heart disease. His sudden loss brought attention to the critical need for greater awareness of heart disease in children and teenagers, even those with no prior symptoms or medical history.
Our Mission
To educate communities about the warning signs of heart disease in young people and to promote early awareness and prevention. We honor Johnnie's love for basketball by donating basketball hoops to communities, each serving as a lasting tribute and a powerful reminder that awareness can save lives.
Understanding Heart Disease in Children
Heart disease in children is a serious medical condition that can affect a child's growth, energy levels, and overall quality of life. While often thought of as an adult problem, children can be born with congenital heart defects or develop heart conditions due to genetics, infections, or other health factors.
Older Children & Teens
Watch for chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, extreme fatigue, dizziness, or fainting—especially during physical activity. Difficulty keeping up with peers during exercise or frequent weakness complaints.
Infants & Toddlers
Symptoms can include difficulty feeding, poor weight gain, rapid breathing, excessive sweating, or a bluish tint to the lips, skin, or fingernails which can signal low oxygen levels. These signs should never be ignored.
Warning Signs
Some heart conditions are present at birth, while others develop over time. This makes awareness and education especially important for families and caregivers to recognize early symptoms and seek medical attention.
Prevention & Healthy Hearts
Nutritious Diet
Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Regular Activity
Physical activity strengthens the heart muscle and improves circulation. Sports, play, or daily exercise supports long-term heart health.
Regular Checkups
Routine checkups allow pediatricians to monitor heart development, recognize early symptoms, and recommend testing if concerns arise.
Family History
Children with a family history of heart disease may require closer observation and earlier screenings for better prevention.
Help Us Make A Difference
You can help us turn awareness into action. By supporting JohnnieHoops Foundation, you are helping bring life-saving education about heart disease in children and teenagers to communities everywhere.
Donate
Your donations help fund educational programs, community outreach, and basketball hoop installations that honor Johnnie's memory.
Partner
Partner with us to expand our reach and impact. Together we can bring heart health awareness to more communities.
Volunteer
Join our team of dedicated volunteers who help organize events, spread awareness, and install basketball hoops in communities.
Join Our Mission
Whether through donations, partnerships, or volunteering, your involvement allows us to place basketball hoops that spark conversations, honor Johnnie's legacy, and remind families to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease early.
Join us in making a difference
Because Awareness Can Save Lives"*" indicates required fields