February is American Heart Month, a vital time for people to focus on their cardiovascular health. We had the honor of getting together for dinner with fellow Patrons of the Hearts donors and learning about the exciting new things happening for the organization.
With Patrons of the Hearts, we are helping children with congenital heart disease – one heart at a time. How we make an impact is through generous hearts in our community. Donations allow us to reach children that live in corners of the world with no access to the specialized heart care they require.
Patrons of the Hearts has helped over 150 little hearts to children from 26 countries worldwide.
18 Years of Service
Patrons of the Hearts was founded in 2005 by Hilda and Jose Ettedgui, MD. The organization functions in collaboration with Wolfson Children’s Hospital. It also has the full support of all medical entities involved in providing the best possible cardiac care at our local Children’s Hospital; and its success greatly depends on the generous spirit of donors.
Thanks to the collaboration with Wolfson Children’s Hospital, each patient treated through the Patrons of the Hearts program can be sponsored for cardiac surgery with only a $10,000 donation. In other words, each $10,000 donation sponsors a surgery and can save the life of a child born with congenital heart disease who has no access to specialized care in their home country.
Because of the ongoing need for these children to come to Wolfson Children’s Hospital for treatment, Patrons of the Hearts’ program is vital. In order for Patrons to continue providing such needed care, financial support is key.
Close to the Heart
The organization’s mission is personal for FaverGray Cofounder and CEO James Gray, whose son Adam has undergone numerous heart surgeries since birth.
“It has been extremely rewarding to help children from across the globe experience the same quality of care that Adam was fortunate enough to receive here in Jacksonville.” – James Gray, CEO
“We really enjoy the fact that our donation goes to a specific child, and that we get to meet the children we sponsor and see them go through the process of being treated for their heart condition. The donation actually helps save a child’s life.” – Keith Faver, President
Learn more by visiting Patrons of the Hearts.
