Connective Issues Fall 2018

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AWARDS

Volunteers from coast to coast are the life-blood of The Marfan Foundation. Volunteers of all ages work hard to advance our mission on the local level while they and their family members are dealing with all that comes with Marfan syndrome and related conditions. Each year at the annual conference, the Foundation recognizes people who have made significant contri- butions in the areas of awareness, education, support, and fundraising.

Antoine Marfan Award STANFORD UNIVERSITY

In recognition of outstanding care of patients and families with Marfan syndrome and related conditions and dedication to the mission of The Marfan Foundation. Pictured above, left to right: Dr. David Liang, Char Yang-Lu, RN, Dr. Craig Miller, Sunny Pellone, Dr. John Spin, and Mitchel Pariani, MS, CGC.

Priscilla Ciccariello Award CATHIE TSUCHIYA For outstanding dedication and service to the Marfan and related conditions community on the occasion of her retirement after 24 years working with the Foundation.

Kid with a Heart BOBBY ELLIOTT For outstanding fundraising and awareness efforts at his school.

Heller Family Scientific Research Award D. CRAIG MILLER, MD

Barbara Heller, pictured above with Dr. Miller, presented the research award which, for the first time, is named for her family. She told conference attendees, “Through his research, teaching and surgical work, Dr. David Craig Miller has literally, figuratively, or by extension touched the hearts of everyone in this room and many more around the world. His contributions to The Marfan Foundation and cardiothoracic surgery cannot be adequately captured in any one award, speech, or accolade, but we hope that this award will serve as a heartfelt token of my family’s and the Foundation’s gratitude and admiration for his scientific research and selfless devotion to improving the lives of others.”

Rising Star GRACE BARNHARDT For outstanding efforts for fundrais- ing and awareness, as well as the support program she started for children with Marfan and related conditions who are hospitalized.

8 Marfan.org