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WBZ Boston Names Heart of a Giant a "Change Maker"

CBS Boston spotlights our mission to bring heart health screenings and education to underserved communities

April 2, 2026

5 min read

HGF Team

We are honored to be featured by WBZ-TV CBS Boston as a "Change Maker", a segment that highlights individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference in their communities. The story follows our founder, Bouba Diemé, and the Heart of a Giant team as they bring free heart health screenings directly to the people who need them most.

You can also watch on CBS Boston

Bringing Health Care to the Community

The segment captured a Heart of a Giant screening event at the East Boston Senior Center, where our team provided free blood pressure screenings, health education, and one-on-one conversations with community members. As Bouba told WBZ, "What we've noticed when we get into communities is that we have people who are more curious about their health. They start with blood pressure. But then, after a conversation, they will have more questions with the nurses."

Community members at the East Boston Senior Center during a Heart of a Giant screening event.

The Power of Early Intervention

The story also featured Patricia Nunn, one of our dedicated screening nurses, who emphasized why community-based screenings matter: "If you have early intervention, you have better positive outcomes. So screening is very important." Patricia reflected on her years of nursing experience, noting that "the access is not equal across the board, and neither is health care", a reality that drives our foundation's work every day.

Why routine heart screenings save lives.

From Patient to Advocate

The feature told Bouba's personal journey, from being diagnosed with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy at just 25 years old, to living with an LVAD mechanical heart pump for six years, to finally receiving a heart transplant at Brigham and Women's Hospital in 2022. That journey is what shaped the Heart of a Giant Foundation's mission.

Bouba Diemé sits down with WBZ Boston to share the Heart of a Giant story.

"I tried to be the emotional leader when I could be, a physical leader when I can be," Bouba shared. "I just try to lead in certain areas and that's kind of how I've been pushing it."

Growing Impact Across Greater Boston

Heart of a Giant now serves 19 Greater Boston communities, with plans to grow in 2026. The foundation has received grants from the American Heart Association and CVS and works with community groups, municipalities, and research institutions. The East Boston event also showcased a partnership with the City of Boston's Age Strong Commission.

"The people are all the goodwill, all the support, all the love we're getting. It must come from people that have a big heart, the heart of a giant."- Bouba Diemé, Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer

Human Connection as a Health Intervention

Beyond screenings and education, Bouba emphasized that one key to healthier communities is human connection, the camaraderie that develops when people encourage one another. The trust that grows between our team and the communities we serve makes it possible to connect people with doctors and additional care when necessary.

More From Our Community Work

Thank You, WBZ Boston

We're grateful to CBS Boston and reporter Anaridis Rodriguez for sharing our story and amplifying the voices of the communities we serve. Media coverage like this helps us reach more people and inspires others to take charge of their heart health.

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