About Us
Heart of a Giant Foundation
HGF
About Heart of a Giant Foundation
At Heart of a Giant Foundation, we are committed to reducing the impact of heart disease worldwide. We strive to become the leading partner in detecting, diagnosing, and managing cardiac risk factors. Our multi-level intervention programs empower individuals to take control of their health. Join us now to impact communities affected by heart disease significantly.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is clear: to ensure that every individual in the community has access to effective heart health education, superior healthcare assistance, and community resources, enhancing their overall health, quality of life, and the management of their heart conditions and related risk factors. We strive to achieve this vision by:
Our mission is to proactively identify heart-related risk factors in at-risk population groups, provide them with the support and knowledge they need to become self-reliant, and advocate for managing and living with their health conditions.
Raising awareness about risk factors and symptoms of cardiac conditions;
Promoting regular health check-ups, screening, and early diagnosis;
Providing culturally intelligent and responsive services;
Improving patient-provider relationships;
Enabling access to improved care and better health outcomes;
Empowering patients and caregivers, and
Promoting advocacy and self-advocacy.
Some Tough Truths About Heart Disease
Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death both in the US and the World, with staggering statistics highlighting the urgency of our mission:
18 million+ lives are lost to heart disease globally each year.
655,000+ deaths occur in the US annually due to heart disease.
495,000+ individuals suffer from high blood pressure-related casualties every year.
Despite these alarming figures, only about 49% of Americans are aware of their heart health status, underscoring the critical need for increased education and awareness.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common heart condition that has been identified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.
According to a recent study conducted by the Boston Public Health Commission, one out of every four adult residents in Boston reported having hypertension. The study also found that the percentage of hypertension was higher for Black (36%) and Latino (27%) adults compared to White adults (20%). Neighborhoods with predominantly Black people, such as Mattapan, Dorchester, or Roxbury, had hypertension rates ranging from 34% to 42%.
More About Us
Eager to learn more about our efforts and impact? Visit our News and Insights Page. It's a space where we share blogs, insights, stories, and project updates. Our blog isn't just about posting articles; it's a platform for engagement. We love interacting with our readers in the comments section, fostering a community of like-minded individuals passionate about advancing the world of heart health.
Join us at Heart of a Giant Foundation as we work with our communities, supporters and partners to turn the tide against heart disease, one heart at a time.
News and Insights
Disclaimer:
The information shared on this page is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any medical issues.
HGF - Inaugural Event: Event Report and Thank You Note
Heart of a Giant Foundation's Inaugural Event: Event Report and Thank You Note
Dear Heart of a Giant Supporters,
We are excited to share the tremendous success of our Inaugural Boston Community Heart Walk, held on October 12, 2024. This milestone event marked a significant step toward advancing the Heart of a Giant Foundation's mission of improving cardiac health outcomes in high-risk communities.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported, participated in, and contributed to this event. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and presence transformed our vision into a vibrant reality. Special thanks go to our partners, advisors, and sponsors who have been with us throughout this journey. The success of this event is a testament to the strength of our community.
We received a special acknowledgment from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley. Their commendations recognized our impact on community health, and receiving a citation from the Governor's Office was humbling and inspiring.
On a personal note, this day held extra significance as we celebrated Bouba's heart transplant anniversary on October 8 and his birthday on October 13. The presence of our families and friends, especially so many young ones at the event was a profoundly moving and unforgettable surprise.
Citation from the Governor's Office
Event Highlights
Our inaugural event was a day filled with connection, wellness, and celebration, featuring:
Health and Wellness Activities:
Free health screenings and community health education sessions on heart health and its connection to oral health.
A scenic 2-3 mile community walk and an optional 5-6 mile run for those seeking a more adventurous challenge.
Family-Friendly Fun:
Empire Party Rentals provided bounce houses for kids. Sam's Ice Cream provided ice cream treats, water from ReadyRefresh, healthy meal options, and Tambo Tambo's Kitchen refreshments and Sidy Maiga and Becky brought the rythm through drums snd live music.
Playgrounds, basketball courts, and activities designed to bring families together.
Recognition and Rewards:
An awards ceremony to honor our team, supporters, and partners.
Exciting raffle prizes, including fitness class packages, Blue Bikes passes, and a golf package with lodging.
A Special Citation:
Official recognition from the Governor's Office celebrating our impact on improving community health.
We welcomed over 250 attendees, exceeding our expectations and reinforcing the importance of making this an annual tradition.
We've curated a photo album from the event for you to relive those special moments. You can view it here.
A view at the Lower Neponset River
Event Highlight Video
Acknowledgments
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and supporters who made this event possible:
Your contributions directly fund our mission to raise awareness, provide education, and support our programs.
Looking Ahead
We are planning our next Boston Community Heart Walk for October 11, 2025, along with other exciting initiatives for the coming year. Join us for:
The Healthy Brown Bag Lunch Hour series (February-May 2025).
Community Health Summit for Black Boston in June 2025 (Tentatively).
Boston Community Heart Walk on October 11, 2025.
Your support on Giving Tuesday (December 3, 2024) will empower us to expand our reach and resources to serve even more individuals and families.
Stay Connected
Thank you once again for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we're building a healthier and more connected community. Stay tuned for updates, and join us in making 2025 an even greater success!
With gratitude and hope,
Team HGF
Testimonials
Our Supporters
Our Partners
Community Organizations
The Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 84-2900386. Donations are tax-deductible.
