Connective Issues Spring 2018

SPECIAL EVENTS

10TH HEARTWORKS ST. LOUIS GALA Celebrating a Decade of Progress and Dr. and Mrs. Alan Braverman

the gala’s Centurian Sponsor. More than 300 people were in atten- dance at the gala. In addition to the medical and business community, more than two dozen people with Marfan or a related disorder and their family members were there. The gala raised $324,000 this year, bringing the 10 year total to more than $2.3 million. Jay Elliott, president of the Foundation’s St. Louis Chapter, attended Heartworks St. Louis with his wife, Mary. He said, “It is hard to describe the feeling of sitting in a huge ballroom packed with several hundred people whose sole purpose for being there is to help you. I was awestruck and deeply moved by the fact that all of the clinicians, medical staff, and donors were there to help people like me and my son. I am also overwhelmed with gratitude for Dr. Braverman. It would be enough if he were simply who he is as a clinician. (He literally saved my life twice and

SEVERAL OF THE PHYSICIANS WHO ARE PAST HEARTWORKS ST. LOUIS HONOREES: (BACK ROW, LEFT–RIGHT) ALAN BRAVERMAN, MD, KEVIN BLINDER, MD, PATRICK GERAGHTY, MD, MARC MOON, MD, (FRONT ROW, LEFT–RIGHT) NICHOLAS KOUCHOUKOS, MD, GREG SICARD, MD.

The Heartworks St. Louis gala celebrated its 10th anniversary this year with an evening that was meaningful and fun for all who attended. This has always been the goal for Dr. Alan Braverman and his wife, Rebecca, who created Heartworks St. Louis in 2009 and have served as hosts each year. The 2018 gala, held at the Four Seasons St. Louis on March 17, was a special occasion as honorees from the past ten years—researchers, clinicians, business leaders, and community partners—were recognized for the work they’ve done and the support they’ve provided to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Marfan syndrome and related disorders possible. “We are so grateful to the St. Louis and Metro East community and our gala committee which has supported this event for the past ten years,” said Dr. Braverman. “Through the success of Heartworks St. Louis, we have increased awareness in our region and achieved critical advances in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Marfan syndrome and related disorders.” The evening also featured a special surprise presentation to Dr. and Mrs. Braverman for providing the vision, leadership, and commitment to Heartworks St. Louis. The presentation was made by Michael Neidorff, CEO of Centene Corporation,

continues to improve it with his ongoing excellent care.) But add on top of that who he is as a person. His devotion to

BROOKE AND RILEY PULLIAM, MEMBERS OF THE FOUNDATION’S ST. LOUIS CHAPTER

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