About Heart Of A Giant Foundation
We are overcoming heart disease in our communities by identifying and managing risk factors.
Our mission is to improve early detection and offer support to high-risk individuals, empowering them to take control of their health.
Some Tough Truths About Heart Disease
Heart disease is the top cause of death in the US and worldwide, highlighting the urgency of our mission:
18 million+ people die from heart disease each year globally.
655,000+ people die from heart disease in the U.S. each year.
495,000+ people die each year from high blood pressure.
One person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease. Only 49% of people in the US know their heart health status, indicating a need for better education and support.
Hypertension, or High Blood Pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, affects one in four Boston adults, with higher rates among Black (36%) and Latino (27%) adults compared to White adults (20%). Predominantly Black neighborhoods have hypertension rates of 34% to 42%.
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What We Do:
We envision a world where everyone can access care and information to prevent and manage heart disease.
We support high-risk individuals in underserved communities with resources, education and support for better heart health.
Raise awareness of heart disease risk factors and symptoms.
Promote regular health check-ups, screening, and early diagnosis.
Provide culturally responsive education and services
Improve patient care adherence and strengthen relationships with providers.
Enable better access to care for improved health outcomes.
Our Journey
Heart of a Giant Foundation (HGF) was founded by Bouba, a heart failure patient and transplant survivor, with a mission to improve heart health awareness and management, particularly in at-risk and underserved communities. His personal journey through heart disease led him to address gaps in awareness and education, early detection, and support systems.
Mission and Vision
HGF is committed to:
- Raising awareness of heart disease risk factors.
- Providing education to empower health decisions.
- Supporting individuals and families through culturally responsive programs.
- Addressing social determinants of health.
- Fostering community resilience and empowerment.
Programs and Initiatives
HGF focuses on five main programs:
- Heart Disease Awareness: Community workshops and campaigns.
- Health Screening and Education: Health screenings and medical education.
- Living with Heart Disease Podcast: Sharing stories and health advice.
- Onsite Clinics: Access to medical services and monitoring.
- Hypertension Prevention for Mothers-to-be and Hypertensive and Heart Failure Patients: Using RPM technologies and health coaches.
Impact and Reach
In the last five years, HGF has impacted over 5,000 individuals through more than 275 events. In 2024, it reached over 1,500 people via 85+ events, aiming to serve 5,000 individuals annually.
Growth and Expansion
- HGF plans to expand into diabetes care,
- organize Community Health Summits,
- partner with healthcare providers, and
- leverage Remote Patient Monitoring to enhance patient outcomes.
Key Events and Milestones
- Boston Community Heart Walk: Raising awareness and uniting communities.
- Living with Heart Disease Podcast: Amplifying patient voices.
Upcoming Plans
In 2025, HGF will host its 2nd Annual Boston Community Heart Walk and the Boston Patient and Caregiver Day.
To continue to expand its heart health, diabetes and high cholesterol care programs.
Leadership and Philosophy
Guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu, HGF values solidarity, humility, gratitude, and resilience, aiming to build an impactful organization.
Challenges and Legacy
While facing funding and resource challenges, HGF’s resilience reflects Bouba’s journey, inspiring communities to come together for better health and wellbeing. HGF’s legacy is one of empowerment, connection, and collective progress.
