Connective Issues Fall 2024

NEW BOARDAND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Duke Cameron, MD, Announced as Professional Advisory Board Chair

THE VEDS MOVEMENT New Steering Committee Members  BenKemena andhis

The Foundation is honored to have Duke Cameron, MD, as the new chair for its Professional Advisory Board (PAB) and member of its Board of Directors. He was appointed to the PAB in 2006 and replaces Heidi M. Connolly, MD, FACC, as chair, following the conclusion of her term. “Our Professional Advisory Board represents many of the leaders and brightest medical minds in genetic aortic and vascular conditions,” said Michael L. Weamer, President and CEO. “Dr.

younger sibling have VEDS. He is a retired hospital-based internal medicine physician.  So fi a De la Garza ’s daughter, So fi a María, has VEDS. From Brownsville, TX, So fi ahas been a tireless advocate, spreading awareness and fundraising.  Karen MountainJohnson , MA, LPCC, was diagnosed with VEDS in 2018, followed by both of her children. She is a mental health professional and clinical supervisor, and

Cameron has been a pioneer in the fi eld and has performed lifesaving procedures on many in our community. His leadership and guidance have been, and will continue to be, a tremendous asset for the Foundation and the communities we serve.” Dr. Cameron is world-renowned for his expertise in the surgical repair of the aorta. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to cardiac surgery, particularly aortic surgery for Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and related connective tissue conditions. A well-known cardiothoracic surgeon in Baltimore, MD, Dr. Cameron is a professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Along with Drs. James Black and Hal Dietz, he leads the Johns Hopkins Broccoli Center for Aortic Diseases.

she has been involved with the VEDS community, presenting on topics surrounding mental health and wellness. To view all leadership at The VEDS Movement, visit the About Us section on the website: TheVEDSMovement.org

THE MARFAN FOUNDATION New Board of Directors Members Members-at-Large

THE LOEYS-DIETZ SYNDROME FOUNDATION New Steering Committee Members  Mary Meyers ’ daughter,

 Bryan Maher ’s daughter, Talulla, has Marfan syndrome. In the past seven years, Bryan has run two marathons tobene fi t the Foundation, chaired several NYC Walk for Victories, hosted events in NY to raise money and awareness, and has been a member of the Foundation’s Budget & Finance and Innovation committees.  Jess Milburn , along with her husband, James, are chairs of the Chicago HeartWorks gala and have raised funds to educate and spread awareness for Marfan syndrome. One of the Millburns’ four daughters, Bailey, has Marfan syndrome. Board Advisor  Marcella Nunez-Smith , MD, MHS, is Inaugural Associate Dean for Health Equity Research; C.N.H Long Professor of Internal Medicine, Public Health, and Management; and Founding Director of the Equity Research and Innovation

Adalynn, has LDS. Mary has a background in geriatrics and memory care as well as in the fi nancial industry. Her skills in both industries have helped her become a strong advocate for her daughter and the LDS community.  Carlos Morales ’ daughter, Kaitlyn Rose, passed away in September 2023 at age 14

from an aortic dissection. Carlos was later diagnosed with LDS. In response, Carlos and his family have become advocates for LDS awareness and supporting others a ff ected by LDS. To view all leadership at the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation, visit the About Us section on the website: LoeysDietz.org

Center (ERIC) at Yale University. Her research focuses on promoting health and healthcare equity for structurally marginalized populations. To view all leadership at the Marfan Foundation, visit Marfan.org/team .

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Marfan.org