When Sylvester Stallone’s infant daughter, Sophia Rose Stallone, underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect in November 1996, the experience brought the actor face to face with the challenges families endure when their children need specialised medical care. Sophia was diagnosed with a hole in her heart, which doctors at UCLA Medical Center successfully corrected. In January 1998, Stallone channelled that personal experience into a charitable effort, donating $200,000 to the Heart of a Child Foundation to support research into congenital heart defects. Part of the money came from sales of T-shirts he designed for Planet Hollywood, the restaurant chain he co-owned. His contribution helped support an organisation established by families who wanted to advance research and improve treatment for children with heart conditions.
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