Long-time supporters, medical volunteers and other Heart to Heartniks gather to celebrate and reflect on the impact of our humanitarian work. Dr. Nilas Young, Heart to Heart’s founder, shares with guests our vision for the future: Going Global.
The Salujas have supported Heart to Heart for more than fifteen years, including funding three internships, hosting cocktail receptions, and making ongoing financial contributions.
In keeping with the evening’s international theme, guests are treated to an Indian Feast, from naan to chai. Veteran volunteers and newer friends of Heart to Heart enjoy camaraderie while sharing family style dinner.
Shalu opens her heart as well as her home, telling her family’s personal story about receiving life-saving heart care. To give back, the Salujas support our surgical-educational missions. All told, the Saluja’s financial contributions have given more than 300 children a second chance of life.
Rose, a retired professor of Russian history, has volunteered on more than a dozen missions – conducting personal interviews in Russian with patient families throughout Russia’s heartland. Her patient stories give voice to the realities and hopes of children, parents, and doctors fighting heart disease.
We are thrilled to welcome CBS anchorwoman Michelle Griego to the Heart to Heart family. Her national compassion and humor give a warm tone fo the evening’s festivities.
Karen joined our governing board this year, bringing to the organization her nonprofit leadership skills and extensive knowledge of Russia. Her fluency in Russian has already proven valuable on our two most recent surgical-educational missions to Kaliningrad.
Consultants Alyson (writing and editing) and Sheri (graphic design) have worked with Heart to Heart for nearly a decade. They have been key in evolving our increasingly effective messaging and communications materials.
Jennifer and her family are longtime fans of Heart to Heart. Their foundation has sponsored fundraising events, and their family has hosted many guests visiting from Russia. Jennifer and teenaged son Dylan joined Nilas on a mission to St. Petersburg in 2007.
Board member Frank and medical volunteer Lynn flew across the country to celebrate with us. Both continue to play key roles in educating and training new cardiac specialists throughout the heartland of Russia.
Volunteers from our years of work in St. Petersburg – Heart to Heart’s first self-sustaining program – share memories and stories of surgical-educational missions in Communist Russia. Shown here (l. to r.): Rob May, Rose LaMarte, RN; Rich masterson; and Judy May.
Terri joined our governing board this year. Her global marketing expertise will provide valuable insights as Heart to Heart transitions to reach heart patients on additional continents. Josie and Terri discovered a shared enthusiasm for the advancement of cardiac medicine globally at an international conference in 2013.
Steve Holland, chairman of our governing board, received a standing ovation in honor of his commitment, loyalty, and effective leadership. Steve is stepping down after serving as chairman for 15 years. During his tenure, more than 15,000 children were saved by Heart to Heart-trained cardiac specialists. Bolshoe spasibo, Steve!
Liz has served as pro bono general counsel since the inception of the organization. She travelled with our first medical team to Leningrad in 1990. Liz and her firm, Creative Industry Law Group, continue to offer wise advice and invaluable legal services that provide a solid framework for Heart to Heart’s growth.
Alex listens to Heart to Heart board members as they reflect on teaching doctors to save children’s lives. Through his family foundation, Alex provides financial support for our volunteers to train more heart specialists and reach more children.
Tatyana is the wife of Russian Consul Alexey Kovalenko-Narochnitskiy. Over the years, the Russian Consulate in San Francisco has secured gratis visas for hundreds of our medical volunteers. The Consulate has also hosted events for Heart to Heart, including intimate dinner parties at the private residence of the Consul General.
Five years ago, in our 20th anniversary video, Nilas looked ahead to the completion of our work in Russia and the prospect of “packing our bags and going home.” Instead we are ready to pack our bags and Go Global. Join us on the next six slides to get an overview of the need for heart care around the world.
In response to Heart to Heart’s anniversary video documenting our work with Russian children, Consul Alexey asks for the floor to share his heartfelt thoughts about the importance of giving a global neighbor a hand up.
To Shalu and Hersh Saluja, we raise our glasses in appreciation of your formidable ongoing support – both spiritual and financial – for more than 15 years. Our heartfelt thanks to you!
Our hands-on board works year round to ensure good governance, continuous progress on mission, and meaningful return on donor investment. Back: Karen O’Brien, Steve Holland, Terri Burke, Frank Cetta. Front: Keith Flachsbart, Lizbeth Hasse, Josie Everett, Lisa Suennen, Nilas Young.