Connective Issues Spring 2019

PAB and SAB News The Marfan Foundation is privileged to have an esteemed Professional Advisory Board, which provides medical over- sight, and Scientific Advisory Board,

FOUNDATION ACCOLADES The Marfan Foundation was honored with two prestigious awards in the first quarter of 2019. In February, we received, for the first time, the 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the largest source in the world for data on nonprofit organizations. Platinum is the highest seal that Guidestar offers. This level demon- strates that we are an organization focused on measuring our progress, evaluating and sharing our results, and giving donors and funders an added level of information about the impact of their contributions. The Marfan Foundation’s profile can be viewed on the Guidestar website. In April, the Foundation was again named to the Best Nonprofits To Work For list, this year climbing to the rank of 34. The Foundation’s standing jumped by 14 spots since it first appeared in the rankings at #48 last year. “We are quite proud of this desig- nation, but even prouder of the wonderful volunteer and staff team that works tirelessly every day to support the Marfan and related con- ditions community,” said Michael Weamer, the Foundation’s President and CEO. Many thanks to the guidance, support, and vision of our many volunteers, Professional Advisory Board, and Board of Directors which have led to these notable designations.

which plays a critical role in our research grant program. Here are some of their recent accomplishments. Professional Advisory Board Dr. Dianna Milewicz , University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, received the American Heart Association’s $1 million Merit Award to investigate the genetics related to life-threatening strokes among children. She is also a recipient of the Rice University Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Heidi Connolly , Mayo Clinic, received the Teacher of the Year award from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, as voted on by the cardiovascular fellows.

Photo courtesy of Tim Joyce

p Dr. Dianna Milewicz received the AHA Merit Award, which provides $1 million over five years for innovative research.

Dr. Reed Pyeritz , University of Penn- sylvania School of Medicine, is serving as the Principal Investigator, University of Pennsylvania Undiagnosed Disease Network of the NIH. Dr. Joseph Coselli , Baylor St. Luke’s, received the Distinguished Service Award from the Baylor College of Medicine Alumni Association and the DeBakey Surgical Award, awarded at the 22nd Congress of the Michael E. DeBakey International Surgical Society. Scientific Advisory Board Dr. Scott A. LeMaire , Baylor College of Medicine, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Thoracic Surgery Foundation. The Thoracic Surgery Foun- dation supports research and education initiatives to expand knowledge about cardiothoracic surgical treatment options, enhance the care of patients with cardiothoracic diseases, and develop the skills of cardiothoracic surgeons. Dr. John A. Elefteriades , Yale School of Medicine, was awarded an honorary PhD by the University of Liege in Belgium for contributions to the understanding and treatment of aortic diseases. Dr. Elefteriades was also granted membership in the Academy of Athens, the highest academic honor bestowed by Greece. The Academy was established in 1926 and traces its conceptual roots to Plato's Academy.

You can meet many members of our Professional Advisory Board and Board of Directors at the Annual Conference this summer.

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