About HeartLife Foundation
HeartLife Foundation is North America's leading patient-led cardiovascular organization and a registered Federal Charity. Founded and led by patients, we raise public awareness of cardiovascular diseases, empower patients, families, and caregivers through education and support, and advocate for better care for everyone.
What began as a heart failure organization has evolved into a full-fledged patient-led cardiovascular charity, because all roads lead to heart failure. Today we connect patients to the latest research, innovations, and treatments, and work to create a future where everyone affected by cardiovascular disease has access to the care they need.
Join us in transforming lives. #itsaboutlife — not failure.
Join UsOur Mission
The HeartLife Foundation is a patient-driven charity whose mission is to transform the quality of life for people living with cardiovascular diseases by engaging, educating, and empowering a global community. We aim to create lasting solutions, drive innovation, and build healthier lives for patients, caregivers, and families worldwide.
Why We Do It
An estimated 800,000 people in Canada are living with heart failure, with 100,000 new diagnoses each year (Canadian Heart Failure Society). Heart failure remains the final destination for many cardiovascular diseases, underscoring the importance of addressing the entire cardiovascular continuum. This condition costs the Canadian healthcare system over $2.8 billion annually, with the majority of these funds spent on acute care.
Research shows that effective patient engagement improves clinical outcomes, reduces hospitalizations, increases patient self-efficacy, and enhances overall quality of life. Yet, despite these proven benefits, few organizations exist to help patients navigate cardiovascular diseases, provide education and support for patients and families, and advocate for access to care and innovative treatments.
The HeartLife Foundation was created to address this critical gap, expanding our mission to cover all cardiovascular diseases while staying true to our roots, because all roads lead to heart failure.
800,000
Canadians living with heart failure
100,000
new heart failure diagnoses every year
$2.8B+
annual cost to Canada's healthcare system
Source: Canadian Heart Failure Society
Our Aim
We aim to collaborate with patients, healthcare stakeholders, government, and industry to:
- Establish a strong, critical voice for those living with cardiovascular diseases across Canada;
- Raise public awareness of cardiovascular health and advocate for better care for all patients;
- Work with stakeholders to ensure patients have access to the latest innovative research, therapies, and treatments;
- Mentor, support, and guide patients and families through their healthcare journeys;
- Educate and empower patients to manage their health and well-being effectively;
- Build a national network of cardiovascular advocates, connecting local and regional communities to amplify our collective voice.
Meet the Team
HeartLife was founded by patients, for patients. The people on this page have lived heart disease: the fear, the treatment, the recovery. They have joined forces so no one else has to face it unprepared.
Jillianne Code, PhD
Co-Founder & President
Dr. Jillianne Code is a two-time heart transplant recipient, Canada Research Chair in Learner Agency, and Associate Professor at UBC. A former Harvard postdoctoral fellow and Co-Founder of HeartLife Foundation, she is a leader in patient engagement and health advocacy, keynote speaker, award-winning educator, and blogger at heartfailuretoharvard.com. Her journey was also the subject of the feature documentary My Broken Heart, which received an Honourable Mention at the Santa Monica International Film Festival.
Marc Bains, BBA
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Marc Bains is a heart transplant recipient, heart failure survivor, and patient advocate. He co-leads the Canadian Heart Function Alliance (CHFA), a national research network of more than 200 scientists, clinicians, and patient partners working together to transform heart failure care across Canada. Through HeartLife, Marc advances global patient advocacy and heart health access. He advises on national and international cardiovascular initiatives, is a frequent keynote speaker, and has been recognized with awards for his leadership and advocacy work.
Sean Virani, MD, MSc, MPH, FRCPC
Medical Director, Board Member
Dr. Sean Virani is a heart failure cardiologist and healthcare leader in Canada. He holds key roles provincially and nationally, including with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. His work focuses on health policy, systems redesign and quality of care.
Jenny Milne
Manager, Community Engagement
Jenny was diagnosed with heart failure at 23 and had her mitral valve replaced at 24. She now shares her journey to help others feel seen, supported, and hopeful through her advocacy work within her role with the HeartLife Foundation.
Jackie Ratz, BA Hons
Manager, HeartLife Women
Jackie, diagnosed with cancer at 24, developed heart disease at 44 and heart failure at 47. She created a women's Facebook group in 2017 and launched Life In Hearts e-magazine in 2024. She now collaborates with HeartLife to empower women.
Rhonda E. Monroe
HeartLife US Lead
Rhonda is a cardiovascular patient advocate and survivor of complex heart disease who leads HeartLife's US strategy and expansion, advancing evidence based care, improving outcomes, and addressing disparities through nationally recognized education and advocacy.
Our Support Group
The HeartLife Foundation is a patient-driven charity whose mission is to transform the quality of life for people living with heart disease by engaging, educating, and empowering a global community to create lasting solutions and build healthier lives. Join our Help for Hearts closed Facebook group to get support and share ideas.
HeartLife Women
The HeartLife Foundation is proud to support the Canadian Women with Medical Heart Issues Facebook group. HeartLife joins the mission of this group, lead by our HeartLife Champion Jackie, to inspire and support women living with heart disease to Live Bravely & Love Boldly every day. We are stronger together.