Jennifer Lawrence Donates $2M to Kentucky Hospital, Mom Karen Says Actress Is 'All About Giving'

By Trisha Cerdena
Jennifer Lawrence
Actress Jennifer Lawrence at the premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2' at Leicester Square in London. (Image credit: REUTERS/LUKE MACGREGOR)

After visiting Kosair Children’s Hospital, actress Jennifer Lawrence was recently featured in a clip to raise funds for the creation of a new wing for such institution in her hometown Louisville, Kentucky.

In the video, the ‘Joy’ star announced that she had made a donation worth $2 million for the construction of the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

"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 $2m to support all of these brave and inspiring children," Lawrence said about the Heart Challenge.

More than 5,000 young individuals pay a visit to the Kosair Children's Hospital Heart Center to obtain specialized care. Thanks to the expansion of the cardiac ICU, it is expected that 14 additional beds will be made available for kids who are in the recovery stage of their intensive heart procedure.

"My family and I have met so many wonderful children on our visits to the hospital. Their strength and courage is inspiring," the ‘Hunger Games’ movie franchise star said in her official statement.

People from the Kosair Children’s Hospital have already expressed their gratitude towards Lawrence’s extensive offering; these include Thomas D Kmetz, division president of Women's and Children's Services at the institution.

"We are thankful for the generosity shown by the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation with this gift," Kmetz shared. "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."

Lynnie Meyer, the chief development officer for Norton Healthcare and executive director of theChildren's Hospital Foundation, also discussed the importance of community support in order to get a hold of the appropriate programs, services and equipment for the heart center.

“This gift and challenge goes a long way in rallying our community to advance the world-class care available here for those throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana,” Meyer added.

In particular, the new beds for the children will aid in their recovery from heart procedures, open-heart surgery, such as heart transplants, heart failure and other conditions that call for intensive care. Hospital officials also explained that the new wing can offer space for families for them to remain with their children during their hospitalization.

Meanwhile, Lawrence’s mother, Karen, opened up about the Oscar-winning actress visiting the patients at Kosair during the past holidays and how such remarkable experience has been deemed a special present.

"She's all about giving ... she's not materialistic," Karen shared, describing Jennifer as having “the biggest heart of anybody I know."

Lawrence has been widely known for her lead role in ‘The Hunger Games’ movie series and is nominated this year for her part in the comedy-drama ‘Joy.’ She's has also become well-loved by many for sponsoring events and donating to a number of causes, such as addressing hunger and offering assistance to people with special needs.

After the announcement of Lawrence’s donation in the hospital lobby, both of Lawrence's parents appeared grateful.

"I'm so happy that we and she is able ... to help another family," Karen said. "It's just giving from your heart."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo