Sylvester Stallone gave $200,000 after daughter’s heart surgery to help children

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.Sophia Stallone’s heart surgery in 1996Sophia Rose Stallone, the eldest daughter of Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin, was born on August 27, 1996.