Hope for Hearts Foundation

NBC anchor Veronica De La Cruz started the Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation in her brother's name.  He was a gifted musician, producer, artist and Nevada resident who was well loved by his family and friends.  He died of severe dilated cardiomyopathy.  His end of life struggle included navigating a miserable labyrinth of health care red tape while severely ill.  He had desperately needed a heart transplant.

Veronica utilized social media to draw attention to her brother's case rallying thousands of online supporters.  Even singer Trent Reznor of popular rock band Nine Inch Nails – and thousands of fans – stepped up to raise nearly a million dollars toward the anticipated medical costs in less than two weeks. Sadly, Eric passed on July 4, 2009 before the operation could take place.


In April 2010 Veronica founded the Hope for Hearts Foundation so that other transplant patients could more easily navigate the system and be assisted financially.  The Foundation is based in California but aims to help people throughout the United States.