Connective Issues Spring 2022

May 5, with guests enjoying cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. “The purpose of Evening with Heart is to raise funds for the much needed research, resources, and support the Foundation provides,” said Courtney. “We hope it becomes an annual staple on the community’s calendar p Pictured Left: Alan Stolz receives the Heart of the Matter Award at the 35 th Marfan Conference in Houston. Right: Courtney (front, center) with her NC Walk for Victory team. COMMITTEE MEMBERS SHINE Alan Stoltz became involved with the Foundation in 2003 when he was the Division Administrator for Cardiothoracic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. In 2021, Alan volunteered to be on the committee for the inaugural HeartWorks Houston gala, which was held at The Four Seasons in June 2021. “I was happy to give my time and help as a vendor liaison to assist with fundraising,” said Alan. “The event raised over $215,000 for the Foundation.” In addition to the study and HeartWorks, Alan has participated in annual conferences, playing a key role when his institution was conference host. He has also participated in many Walk for Victory events in Houston. To view all events hosted by the Foundation, visit the calendar at Marfan.org/events. If you are located in one of the host cities and interested in volunteering on a committee, please contact Alyssa Aiello at aaiello@marfan.org. and can continue to grow each year.” Alan Stoltz, HeartWorks Houston

Anyone who has been to a HeartWorks gala or an Evening with Heart has felt the warmth, support, and hope that these special nights provide. These events provide critical funding for the Foundation’s programs and services. Since the fi rst gala was created in New York, HeartWorks and Evening with Heart have expanded nationwide, with events taking place in Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Raleigh, and New York City. The key to each event is the volunteer committee, which consists of members of our community in that region. These volunteers spend months meeting and planning all details with our event sta ff – including securing sponsorships and fabulous auction prizes and inviting friends – to ensure a successful fundraiser. The Foundation is grateful to all committee members who give their time and expertise to support our special events that help advance our mission. Here’s an opportunity to meet two of our volunteer committee members. Courtney Jensen, Evening with Heart Raleigh Courtney has a personal and professional connection with Loeys-Dietz syndrome. She was diagnosed with the condition in 2005. She also works in the medical genetics community and has patients a ff ected with LDS, Marfan, and related disorders. “We had so many of our friends reach out and take interest in our local Walk for Victory,” said Courtney. “My husband and I saw an opportunity to get people excited and increase their giving and involvement with a night out and an excuse to get dressed up. So the idea of Evening with Heart Raleigh was born.” Courtney and her husband, Josh, spent a year planning with their committee and Foundation’s events team. Though delayed by the pandemic, it was held on

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Spring 2022