Jennifer Lawrence is giving back in a huge way. After surprising patients at the Kosair Children's Hospital in her hometown of Louisville, Ky., the Oscar-winning actress announced that she would be donating $2 million to the facility.
In a video, which was released on the hospital's YouTube page Friday, Lawrence revealed that she would be donating this generous amount of money towards the creation of a new wing.
"Hi, I'm Jennifer Lawrence. I'm excited to announce we will be establishing the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Kosair Children's Hospital," said the 25-year-old actress in the video. "As part of my effort to help these children and caregivers, I challenge the entire community to get behind this cause and help match my gift by raising an additional $2 million to support all of these brave and inspiring children."
In the video, Lawrence then encourages viewers to visit HeartCenterChallenge.com where donations can be made and to use #HeartChallenge on social media to spread the word.
"My family and I have met so many wonderful children on our visits to the hospital. Their strength and courage is inspiring," said Lawrence in a press release about the initiative. "I challenge everyone to give whatever they can to raise an additional $2 million to help."
The Jennifer Lawrence CICU will feature a 14-bed unit that will include private rooms for those recovering from surgeries and procedures that require intensive care, according to the hospital. It will also offer space so that families can stay with children while they recover. The unit will also be staffed by specialists with specific cardiac critical care experience and training as well as nurses and professionals who focus solely on heart care.
"We are thankful for the generosity shown by the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation with this gift," said division president Thomas D. Kmetz. "We are equally thankful that she has put her trust in the outstanding work taking place at Kosair Children's Hospital every day by challenging the community to join her in support of our heart care program."
