The Bell of Hearts Foundation was founded by Jesse Bell, an Army veteran and former commissioned military officer, who faced life-altering challenges after being diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure at just 28 years old. Over the next 14 years, he endured multiple complications but it was a pivotal moment in September 2021 that truly changed his life. After experiencing over 40 shocks in a single day from his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), Jesse’s health took a severe downturn, leading him to become a heart transplant candidate.

While in the hospital, Jesse made a profound promise to God: if granted more time with his children, he would dedicate his life to helping others. Miraculously, just eleven days later, he received the life-saving gift of a new heart in January 2022 at the University of North Carolina Hospital (UNC) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

True to his word, Jesse channeled his experiences and determination into founding the Bell of Hearts Foundation. Established a year after his transplant, the foundation is dedicated to supporting individuals facing similar health battles and giving back to the community in meaningful ways. Through his journey, Jesse embodies hope, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others