Connect Issues Winter 2022

WALK FOR VICTORY: SALUTE TO OUR HOSPITAL PARTNERS Each Walk for Victory is a special day of education, awareness, unity, and connection. The Marfan Foundation is grateful to the medical chairs and sponsors of the many Walks we organize across the country. We applaud these doctors who champion our cause and are committed to the best care for those with Marfan, Loeys- Dietz, VEDS, and other genetic aortic and vascular conditions. We also recognize and thank the many sponsors that dedicate time, sta ff , and funds to help the Foundation bring people living with Marfan and their families together. All Walk photos here (except Duke Heart, with masks) were taken at pre-pandemic events.

Dr. Hughes, second from left, with the Duke Heart and Marfan team at the North Carolina Walk for Victory Coming together as a community gives us an opportunity to socialize with our many patients with connective tissue conditions outside of a clinical setting and to get to know them and their families on a more personal level. We want them to know that we are here for them. We enjoy talking with patients and families, spending time with them, answering their questions, and offering support.

Dr. Yusupov, far left, with the team from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital at a South Florida Walk for Victory The best thing about the Walk for Victory is that it connects patients and their families in a big community that helps them feel empowered, which adds an extra level to their care. Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital started its Marfan clinic 10 years ago, and the Walk for Victory allows us to see the results of our efforts because, with every year, the number of participants grows.

– ROMAN YUSUPOV, MD, JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL (SOUTH FLORIDA)

– G. CHAD HUGHES, MD, DUKE HEART (NORTH CAROLINA)

I always look forward to meeting patients and their families with Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue disorders to make them aware of the comprehensive services that we can provide them with at Emory. – BRADLEY G. LESHNOWER,MD, EMORY HEART & VASCULAR CENTER (ATLANTA)

What I like best about the Walk is it gives me an opportunity to see everyone outside the hospital, with their family and loved ones, in a relaxed environment. The Walk provides all of the caregivers (docs, NPs, PAs, nurses, office staff) a chance to see how well people have recovered and are enjoying their lives after recovering from major operations and demonstrates the positive impact a dedicated medical team can have on patients and their families. – LEONARD GIRARDI, MD, NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL, WEILL CORNELL MEDICINE (NEW YORK) Dr. Girardi addresses the community at the New York City Walk for Victory

For years, the team at Northwestern Medicine's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has teamed up with The Marfan Foundation to help science develop into innovative clinical breakthroughs for our patients. I am proud to be part of a great community that has come together to raise awareness for Marfan syndrome and related diagnoses. – S. CHRIS MALAISRIE, MD, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (CHICAGO)

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