Press Release, JoeAbate Charitable Foundation Partners

North Branford-based JoeAbate Charitable Foundation has teamed-up with race car driver Bryce Cornet to promote heart health in young adults and support congenital heart families.

Cornet, a congenital heart defect survivor, will record several public service announcements on behalf of the Foundation to be released in February, American Heart Month, and visit with campers at the CTHeart Camp this summer, as well as participate in other promotional and fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

Cornet, who races in the Mazda MX-5 Cup series, was diagnosed with Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome and Supraventricular Tachycardia at age 15. Following two catheter heart ablations and an extended recuperation period, he was cleared to race again. Since returning to the track, he has won a national championship and has set four track records. His story has been told in the award-winning short documentary, Driven: The Bryce Cornet Story (YouTube).

“My passion for motorsports is equaled by my passion for heart health,” said Cornet, who was selected as the American Heart Association (AHA) OKC Heart Ball Survivor story for 2023.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with the JoeAbate Foundation to share my experiences and reach those that are fighting a similar battle, as well as those that support them.”

Cornet has integrated his passion for heart health in all facets of his racing, including a desire to partner with sponsors that have received the “heart healthy” designation from the AHA.

“Bryce is the perfect partner to bring awareness to our cause,” said Meghan Abate, founder and president of the JoeAbate Charitable Foundation.

“Not only is he a congenital heart defect survivor who can speak to the emotional and physical struggles from firsthand experience, but his parents also understand the impact of being a congenital heart family. We are so pleased that he’s joining us.”

The JoeAbate Charitable Foundation provides financial and emotional comfort and support to congenital heart families with a child in Yale-New Haven Hospital’s Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and is a partner with the CTHeart Camp, providing funding and in-kind support. The camp is free to children with congenital heart disease throughout Connecticut. Please go to www.joeabatefoundation.org for more information.