Recent Website Updates:

The Kathryn Bender Memorial Foundation (KBMF) is a 501(c)(3) corporation established in honor of Kathryn Mary Bender, a 17 year old who passed away suddenly on November 20th, 2005 from Long QT syndrome.

Our Purpose

The KBMF corporation is organized to provide financial assistance and support to scientific research and public education regarding Long QT syndrome, a heart disease that can cause sudden death. The corporation will also provide financial assistance to children of all ages to allow them to pursue education in the art of dance; to provide college scholarships to students who exemplify Kathryn Bender’s dedication to education, dance and the community; in addition, the corporation will provide financial assistance and outreach support to foster care, child welfare and adoption agencies which are tax-exempt not-for-profit corporations so that children receiving services through such corporations have the opportunity to take dance lessons. 

        Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heart rhythm disorder that can potentially cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. The rapid         heartbeats, caused by changes in the part of your heart that causes it to beat, may lead to fainting. In some cases,         your heart's rhythm may beat so erratically that it can cause sudden death.

        Long QT syndrome is treatable. You may need to limit your physical activity, avoid certain medications that can                 cause the condition or take medications to prevent a chaotic heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Some people with long QT         syndrome also need an implantable device to control the heart's rhythm and to prevent against sudden death.

        (This information has been taken from www.mayoclinic.com)