Kaitlin's Heart For Heroes

Supporting resources and services for First Responders and their families
Providing outreach/referral opportunities to available resources.
Working to reduce the stigma related to mental health among First Responders.
non-profit 501(c)(3)

Battle of the Badges - Boxing

06/27/2026 11:20 PM - 06/27/2026 11:20 PM
6500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA, USA

We are excited to announce the first-ever Battle of the Badges – Boxing in Iowa, happening on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex in West Des Moines, IA! This one-of-a-kind event will feature local law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and veterans stepping into the ring for a friendly amateur boxing competition—all to raise awareness and funds for a cause that truly matters; the stigma associated with mental health issues in the workplace.

30Dec

Donation for K9 Penny

12/30/2025 11:11 PM - 01/02/2026 05:11 PM
515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA, USA

KHFH made a Donation to the City of Ames to help with the costs of their therapy dog Penny.

14Dec

The Compassionate Friends

12/14/2025 11:07 PM - 01/02/2026 05:07 PM
Muscatine, IA, USA

12Nov

IEMSA Conference

11/12/2025 10:31 PM - 11/15/2025 10:31 PM
Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa, USA

18Oct

Crisis K9s of the Midlands Graduation

10/18/2025 10:47 PM - 01/02/2026 04:47 PM
Newton, IA

27Apr

KHFH 3rd Annual Breakfast Fundraiser

04/27/2025 08:00 AM - 04/27/2025 12:00 PM
551 S Taft Ave, Mason City, IA, USA

8am - Noon Breakfast: Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Orange Juice, Bottled Water, Coffee with a live and silent auctions. Live auction begins at 10am. Silent Auction ends at 10:30am. A special thank you to the local team members at Smithfield’s Mason City, IA Facility, Crete, NE Facility, and Sioux Center, IA Facility for their continued support to KHFH.

08Nov

IEMSA Conference

11/08/2024 11:23 AM
Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa, USA

30Jun

Iowa Cubs Baseball Game

$15
06/30/2024 01:00 PM - 06/30/2024 01:00 PM
1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA, USA

Come join us for an afternoon at the ball game! On June 30th at 1pm, join us at Principal Park to cheer on the Iowa Cubs! Show your support for our First Responders and our mission to #stompoutthestigma associated with mental health in the First Responder community by purchasing tickets for yourself and your friends and family. A portion of every ticket sold will directly support our work to provide hope and support to our Fire Fighters, Paramedics, Law Enforcement Officers, Dispatchers and family members who may be experiencing traumatic job-strain or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that could lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. Follow us on Facebook at Kaitlin’s Heart For Heroes or go to our website at www.kaitlinsheartforheroes.org Check out our Support Group available to our First Responders that is facilitated by a licensed therapist. First Responders can request an invite by emailing us at Kaitlinsheartforheroes@gmail.com

13Apr

Kaitlin's Heart For Heroes Breakfast & Silent Auction

04/13/2024 09:34 PM
Columbia Club

This is a Free Will Donation event with Silent Auction items to support First Responders and their families in Iowa and Southern Minnesota.

29Oct

2023 Super Hero Walk

10/29/2023 12:30 PM - 10/29/2023 12:30 PM
Central Park, Mason City, IA

This walk is a fundraiser for Kaitlin’s Heart for Heroes. This foundation supports Iowa First Responders suffering from extreme job stress/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through the provision of care packages, resource and referrals and when available-funds for mental health educational opportunities. Sign-in will begin at 12:30pm at Central Park in Mason City ….. walk will begin at 2pm …. Activities and music will continue until 6pm.... BE SURE TO DRESS UP AS YOUR FAVORITE SUPER HERO!

Studio65 KHFH Tattoos

10/07/2023 12:32 PM
210 U.S. 18, Clear Lake, IA, USA

https://www.facebook.com/studio65tattoo/videos/2049772465361391/

24Jun

Kaitlin's Heart For Heroes Fundraiser

06/24/2023 04:46 PM
Mason City, IA, USA

Benefit to promote Kaitlin's Heart For Heroes Foundation; a foundation to honor Kaitlin Bergan, a Paramedic/FF who died by suicide. KFFH was founded to honor the service of First Responders who died by suicide and their loved ones.

Credit Card Donations

Venmo

Use the Venmo QR code to make Donations or Purchases.

02/10/2025

Kaitlin's Story - Youtube

Tom Mann talks with Scott & Lorena Bergan about their daughter Kaitlin.

02/10/2025

Kaitlin's Story - Spotify

Tom Mann talks with Scott & Lorena Bergan about their daughter Kaitlin.

02/10/2025

Kaitlin's Story - Buzz Sprout

Tom Mann talks with Scott & Lorena Bergan about their daughter Kaitlin.

04/15/2024

KAAL News 6 interview of the Kaitlin's Heart For Heros Fundraiser 4/13/24

09/21/2024

The First Person by Michael Judge

Mike interviews Lorena Bergan about Kaitlin Bergan and Kaitlin's Heart for Heros and the annual family weekend sponsored by First H.E.L.P.

10/04/2024

KIMT TV - Brandon Cote

Two Iowa parents supporting first responders struggling with mental health after daughter's suicide

ABOUT

Kaitlin's Heart for Heroes was established to honor the life of Kaitlin Bergan and her dedication to life as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Kaitlin valued family relationships and enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. She was a dedicatied young woman that conquered her goals, no matter the obstacles placed in front of her. When she set her sights on something, she never backed down. Knowing early in life that she dreamed of becoming a firefighter/paramedic, Kaitlin began her career as a volunteer firefighter in Coralville, Iowa while attending college at the University of Iowa. Following graduation with a BA degree in Health and Human Physiology, Kaitlin began her career as a paramedic in Anamosa, Iowa along with teaching EMS classes at the University of Iowa and as a volunteer firefighter. Life then took Kaitlin to Memphis, Tennessee where she was accepted as a Paramedic/Firefighter on their SORT Elite Team while she was in training to work in the Special Ops Station 25. Kaitlin passed away by suicide on April 27th, 2022 at the age of 27 after suffering from PTSD. Kaitlin's family has dedicated their time to support First Responders and their loved ones experiencing similar crisis in their life.

WHY

Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), 3 in 10 or 30% of First Responders suffer from PTSD.

Seeking Treatment
According to Kennedy-Hansen H. (2020 November) 57% say they fear negative repercussions if they seek help. 40% say they fear being demoted or fired if they seek help. 7 in 10 say they would willingly seek treatment if their organization leaders spoke openly about traumatic experiences.

Suicide
According to the Ruderman Family Foundation report 2022, more First Responders die of suicide than in any other line of duty each year.

#STOMPOUTTHESTIGMA

MISSION

KHFH MERCHANDISE

Therapist

Jeannie Giordano-Shanks, LISW, Certified Medium and Intuitive Reader

Jeannie holds a Master of Social Work degree and has been a licensed therapist in the state of Iowa for over 24 years, providing counseling and therapy services for over 30 years. She is currently in private practice in Mason City, Iowa, providing support either in office or via telehealth sessions. Jeannie offers both traditional therapy and alternative spiritual guidance, giving her clients treatment choices. She holds a certification in EMDR, and also a certification as a medium and an intuitive reader. She is well versed in individual and couples therapy.

Jeannie Giordano-Shanks, LISW, Certified Medium and Intuitive Reader

Contact Jeannie at 641-420-2825 to schedule an appointment.

KHFH SUPPORT THERAPIST

Any First Responder struggling with a traumatic job-related stress which may lead to a mental health issue can contact Jeannie Giordano-Shanks, LISW, Certified Medium and Intuitive Reader. Jeannie.KHFH@gmail.com or Kaitlinsheartforheroes@gmail.com

-BIOS-

Hello, I’d like to introduce myself & my purpose. My name is Lorena Bergan, Co-Founder of Kaitlin’s Heart for Heroes. I’m Kaitlin’s mother. Being Kaitlin’s mom was always my number one job. Supporting her in life never stopped even after we lost her, I knew we had to continue that support. The best way to do that was to find out how best to do that. Her dad and I learned about some of her struggles and then by talking to other responders and families the stories sounded similar. This became clear to us we could help, but we needed to do this in many ways, it wasn’t just one thing. Opening a chat room would be just one of many ways to help make a difference. We will not judge, we will share our story with anyone who wants to hear it, we will protect your privacy, & expect the same in return. No one has to share, listening works. We want people in the responder world to feel comfortable, welcomed, and respected. That’s how we raised Kaitlin & her brothers. We know she had trauma related to her work that changed her. The difference is she didn’t have the tools we have or the right people around her or she’d still be here. Thank you for joining us. We are here as a safe place for you to vent, but never to diagnose. This is support for people very dear to us. You are important and valuable, you matter & this is our purpose.

First Responder Suicide Numbers That Have Been Reported

These numbers keep climbing.

Hero Care Packages

Deliver personalized care packages filled with essential items and heartfelt messages to frontline heroes.

Kaitlin's Heart For Heroes Support Group

To provide a safe place for First Responders to come virtually and have a conversation in a social setting to be heard and seen if they so choose. We encourage you to talk about anything that may be causing you to have work related stresses. This group will be led by a licensed therapist who was a first responder along with Lorena Bergan, mother of Kaitlin who died by suicide.

Hand-Made Custom Bracelets

Hand made bracelets by Lorena customized for you. $25.00 / each. Email Kaitlinsheartforheroes@gmail.com to provide details for your bracelet. Payments can be made at BRACELETS https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/42593e57-cfb6-4e21-a46b-ca601ce20f82

Learn More

Hand-Made Custom Bracelets

We are excited to announce the first-ever Battle of the Badges – Boxing in Iowa, happening on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex in West Des Moines, IA! This one-of-a-kind event will feature local law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and veterans stepping into the ring for a friendly amateur boxing competition—all to raise awareness and funds for a cause that truly matters; the stigma associated with mental health issues in the workplace.Read More

Date:06/27/2026 11:20 PM - 06/27/2026 11:20 PM
Location 6500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA, USA (Map)
More Info:MidAmerican Energy RecPlex

Past Events

Title	Date	Day	Location	Tickets
Donation for K9 Penny	30 Dec 2025	Tuesday	515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA, USA
The Compassionate Friends	14 Dec 2025	Sunday	Muscatine, IA, USA
IEMSA Conference	12 Nov 2025	Wednesday	Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Crisis K9s of the Midlands Graduation	18 Oct 2025	Saturday	Newton, IA
KHFH 3rd Annual Breakfast Fundraiser	27 Apr 2025	Sunday	551 S Taft Ave, Mason City, IA, USA
IEMSA Conference	08 Nov 2024	Friday	Center Street, Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Iowa Cubs Baseball Game	30 Jun 2024	Sunday	1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA, USA	Closed
Kaitlin's Heart For Heroes Breakfast & Silent Auction	13 Apr 2024	Saturday	Columbia Club	Closed
2023 Super Hero Walk	29 Oct 2023	Sunday	Central Park, Mason City, IA
Studio65 KHFH Tattoos	07 Oct 2023	Saturday	210 U.S. 18, Clear Lake, IA, USA
Kaitlin's Heart For Heroes Fundraiser	24 Jun 2023	Saturday	Mason City, IA, USA

Ionia Volunteer Fire Department in Ionia, Iowa

The Ionia Fire Department is a volunteer department located in the rural community of Ionia, Iowa. This department lost one of their own to a tragic accident while responding to a call. Since this tragic accident, these firefighters have been hurting from their loss.

Ionia FF Captain Tony Hoffman

Captain Tony was a respected member of the Ionia Fire Department who died as the result of a tragic accident while responding to a cornfield fire. Tony passed away honorably serving his community and was able to leave a final gift through organ and tissue donation. Tony will be remembered most for his signature statement "How's It going".

Ionia Volunteer Firefighters

On Wednesday March 20 2024, Lorena Bergan and Brian Koob presented these volunteers with our KHFH Care Packages. These firefighters were very appreciative for receiving these care packages. They were also amazed that Kaitlin Heart For Heroes is there to support our First Responders.

Ionia Volunteer Fire Department

On March 30, 2025 Lorena and Scott visited the Iona Volunteer Fire Department to honor them for allowing Kaitlin's Heart for Heroes to support them after the loss of their "brother" Tony.

Suicide Hotline

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. CALL 988

NAMI-Iowa

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Iowa is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. Together, we advocate for better lives for those individuals who have a mental illness. Call 1-800-950-6264

Hope Beyond The Badge

The is a podcast that brings awareness about mental health in first response.

Prarie Ridge

Empower individual to live healthy purpose-filled lives on their terms

Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance

Saving Those Who Save Others The mission of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance is to collaborate, develop and implement behavioral health awareness, prevention, intervention, and post crisis strategies to provide firefighters with an easily accessible and confidential source of information.

Intuitive Wisdom Guidance

Traditional therapy services with the support of a licensed therapist with over 20 years' experience.

1325 NW 33rd Ln, Ankeny, IA, USA

Join Kaitlin's Heart for Heroes in supporting our First Responders. They are there for us in a time of need, so let's be there for them when they need help.

MAJOR SPONSORS

For past couple of weeks beginning on 7/26/2024, Lorena and Scott have been traveling around Nebraska and Iowa to our major supporters to present them with a Certificate of Recognition for their continued sponsorship to Kaitlin's Heart For Heroes. With their support, we are able to provide support to our First Responders who are struggling with a job-related mental health issue.
We also presented each one of these individuals with one of our challenge coins.
Smithfield Foods- Mason City, IA
Smithfield Foods - Lincoln, NE
Smithfield Foods - Crete, NE
Smithfield Foods - Sioux Center, IA
Cargill - Mason City, IA
Dickson Industries - Des Moines, IA
Safe Foods Chemical Innovations
First Citizens Bank - Mason City, IA
Cedar Rapids Firefigters Association - Cedar Rapids, IA
Martha Schmitz - Cedar Rapids, IA