Capitalism WORKS: NASCAR Star Donates $1 MILLION to Charity

When socialists tell you that capitalism is evil, remind them of just how much money leaves the bank accounts of millionaires and billionaires and into charitable efforts.

And remind them, in particular, of the million bucks that Michael Jordan just donated to charity.

At a glance:

  • Michael Jordan donated $1 million to the Providence Heart Institute to establish the Howard “H” White Cardiac Amyloidosis Center.
  • The center is named after Nike executive Howard “H” White, who received a life-saving heart transplant at Providence in 2020 after being diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis.
  • The donation is part of a larger $10 million fundraising effort, with contributions from high-profile figures like Chris Tucker, Ludacris, and top Nike executives.

Michael Jordan, the NBA legend and NASCAR team owner, has once again demonstrated his commitment to charitable causes with a staggering $1 million donation to the Providence Heart Institute in Portland, Oregon. This generous contribution will help establish the Howard “H” White Cardiac Amyloidosis Center, named after Howard “H” White, a close associate of Jordan and Vice President of the Jordan brand at Nike.

White, a longtime influential figure at Nike, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and cardiac amyloidosis in 2017. His life was saved by a heart transplant at Providence in 2020, and now, with the creation of this new center, White hopes to inspire others facing similar health battles. Reflecting on the importance of the center, White said, “If you believe anything is possible, you owe it to the world to help someone else believe… I believe this new center will help save more lives, help people avoid needing a heart transplant like I did.”

Cardiac amyloidosis is a condition caused by the abnormal buildup of proteins in the heart and other organs, which can severely impair heart function. Dr. Jacob Abraham of Providence explained the challenges in diagnosing the disease due to its nonspecific symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fatigue. However, advancements in heart scans have made it easier to identify the disease early, and new treatments can slow its progression.

One of the center’s key innovations will be the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostic processes. AI algorithms will be applied to heart scans to detect early signs of cardiac amyloidosis that may be missed by traditional methods. “We’re applying the algorithm to (scans) that to the human eye may look normal but AI might detect that it’s present at an earlier stage,” Dr. Abraham noted. This cutting-edge approach will allow for more timely and effective treatment.

Jordan’s donation has already sparked further community and financial support. Along with actor Chris Tucker, rapper Ludacris, and Nike executives like CEO John Donahoe and Chairman Mark Parker, the fundraising efforts have raised $2.3 million towards the $10 million goal for the center. Dr. Abraham praised the transformative impact of Jordan’s donation, saying, “This type of donation is transformative and enables us to do the kind of work that would otherwise be very difficult to support.”

With the establishment of the Howard “H” White Cardiac Amyloidosis Center, the Providence Heart Institute is set to become a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening disease, thanks to Jordan’s remarkable generosity and ongoing support from the community.