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Partners
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Preston Settles Memorial Fund
Honoring Preston.
Saving Lives.
Preston was a young man full of life and promise. His sudden death from undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy changed everything. Now his memory drives us forward to prevent others from facing the same loss.
Our Mission
The Preston Settles Memorial Fund was established to provide and fund PReston's Hope: Accelerating discOvery and Care for people wiTh hypErtrophic CardiomyopaThy (PROTECT) and to otherwise support charitable activities in Preston's memory.
Understanding
HCM
HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is a condition that affects the heart muscle where the walls of heart become thickened. The heart muscle cells are disorganized and there is increased scar tissue. The heart does not relax as well and uses energy inefficiently. Some patients have obstruction to the flow of blood out of the heart.
How is HCM Caused?
HCM is often genetic (inherited)
and caused by changes to the genes
that make up the molecular motor of the
heart, called the sarcomere.
When does HCM develop?
HCM usually develops during
early to middle adulthood.
Who does HCM affect?
1 in 500 adults in the USA and many of them are undiagnosed.
What
We Do
Preston's life was cut short by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that often goes undetected in young people. His death became a call to action—a chance to save others through awareness and screening.
Educate
We provide accessible, life-saving information about HCM and heart health to empower individuals and families to take action.
Advocate
We raise awareness and champion early detection, equitable care, and heart health resources in underserved communities.
Support
We stand with individuals and families impacted by HCM, offering guidance, connection, and ongoing encouragement.
Partner
We collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and leaders to expand impact and save lives.
What We've
Accomplished
Since Preston's passing, the memorial fund has grown into a movement. Every dollar raised, every person reached, and every screening performed brings us closer to a world where no family experiences this loss.
$1.6M
Funds raised to date
Supporting screenings and awareness campaigns nationwide