12/06/2011
Dr. John Mayer, world renowned cardiovascular surgeon at Children's Hospital Boston and Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, spoke to students, faculty, and members of the community at Chipola College in Marianna, FL on November 14th. He presented to medical personnel later that evening. Dr. Mayer’s lecture on the advances in cardiac tissue engineering research was very informative and enlightening. Dr. Mayer’s visit was a culmination of an awareness and fundraising campaign for Hearts of Promise organized by Chipola student, Hillary Saunders, as her Phi Theta Kappa service project. Following Dr. Mayer’s morning lecture, Hillary presented Dr. Mayer with a $20,000 check for his cardiac tissue engineering research. Hillary raised the funds by organizing a heart walk and pancake breakfast on November 5th, through presentations to church groups and civic groups, attendance at festivals throughout the summer, and Beanie Baby and cookbook sales.
Dr. Mayer expressed his appreciation for Hillary and for Hearts of Promise. He also stressed the immense need for funds for his cardiac tissue engineering research. The goal of his research is to grow arteries and valves from a child’s own tissue, thus eliminating the need for multiple open-heart surgeries for thousands of children with congenital heart defects. Dr. Mayer stated that the donation that Hillary presented would be very helpful, since the cost of his research is $200,000 a year.
Hearts of Promise would like to thank Hillary for her tremendous efforts on behalf of Hearts of Promise! We would also like to thank Frank and Carol Kreis (walk co-chairmen, along with Hillary Saunders and Wayne and Carolyn Saunders), Jerry Odom (breakfast chairman), the breakfast team, all breakfast attendees, walk participants, corporate sponsors, and personal donors who donated time and money to make this event a success. We also appreciate Pam Rentz, PTK sponsor, for her support for this service project. Thanks, also, to everyone who attended Dr. Mayer’s presentations and to Dr. James Clemmons and Cindy Burns for their help in informing medical personnel of Dr. Mayer’s presentation. Thank you, especially, to Dr. Mayer for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak at Chipola. We truly appreciate all he has done for thousands of children with congenital heart defects and for all he continues to do for them through his cardiac tissue engineering!
