[The project "Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation--Cardio-Thoracic Department De Gasperis--Lombardy Region" for the care of children from socio-economically deprived areas affected by cardiac disease].

Background: In 2001 the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit IRCCS S. Maria Nascente Center and the International Area of Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, in collaboration with the Cardiac Surgery Department "De Gasperis" of Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital in Milan, planned a project to treat children from impoverished countries. The "Fondo Sanitario Regionale" of the Lombard Region cosponsored the program.