CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Atrium Health announced this week that Carolina Panthers star Greg Olsen's foundation donated $2.5 million for a new pediatric cardiac center at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte.
The donation was announced after the Greg Olsen Foundation's annual HEARTest Yard golf tournament at The Club at Longview in Union County. Atrium said the $2.5 million donation is the largest from Olsen's foundation and will help build a next generation pediatric cardiovascular and congenital heart outpatient clinic at Levine. Last January, the Olsens donated $15,000 to Levine after he was nominated for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
Olsen and his wife Kara's contributions to pediatric care in Charlotte began in 2012 with the launch of Olsen's HEARTest Yard. Olsen's son, TJ, was born with a congenital heart defect, so the couple knows the struggles families with patients endure on a daily basis.
"We feel privileged to be in a position to make this impact for children like Jacob and countless others who will come through this clinic," Olsen tweeted Wednesday.
Last November, 5,000 limited-edition Levine Children's Hospital beanies were sold by the Panthers in conjunction with his Receptions for Research charity with $5 from each hat going to the hospital.
“This new center will be a game changer for the children of the Carolinas,” said Nancy Dobrolet, MD, director of the cardiac neurodevelopmental clinic. “Thanks to the Olsens, and their many supporters, we provide the best comprehensive cardiac care in the country for young heart patients.”
The HEARTest Yard Pediatric Cardiac Center, scheduled to open in 2021, will be housed in the Medical Center Plaza building adjacent to Levine Children’s Hospital. The building will be renovated over the next several years to accommodate all specialty outpatient services offered by Levine Children’s.
Olsen will host the annual HEARTest Yard 5K Saturday, May 11 with 100% of proceeds benefiting Levine. For an $88 donation to Levine Children's Hospital, fans will get an exclusive breakfast and Q&A with Olsen at Showmars on East Boulevard. The event starts at 10:30, immediately after the 5K.