HGF
Welcome Message
On the behalf of our team and myself, welcome to our Website.
Heart of a Giant Foundation (HGF) was born from my personal journey and steadfast commitment to advocacy, resilience, and positive change. Throughout my journey to receiving a heart transplant, I gained a unique insight into the challenges and intricacies of our healthcare system. This life-altering experience ignited my passion to support others navigating similar paths, a journey I understand intimately.
Meet the Founder
Meet Somaneh 'Bouba'!
Business Professional, Entrepreneur, and Heart Health Advocate
Somaneh "Bouba" Diemé is an accomplished engineer, passionate entrepreneur, and dedicated community leader committed to empowering patients, caregivers, and the broader community in heart health. As a long-time heart patient turned community health innovator, Bouba leverages his unique experiences and skills to foster connection, learning, and growth among patients and healthcare professionals.
Personal Journey and Mission:
Bouba's journey began over a decade ago when he was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, leading to a prolonged battle with chronic heart disease and, ultimately, a life-saving heart transplant. This personal experience ignited his commitment to raising awareness, providing support, and driving positive change for those affected by heart conditions, particularly in at-risk communities.
Heart of a Giant Foundation:
As the founder of the Heart of a Giant Foundation (HGF), Bouba has led the organization to achieve significant milestones in empowering individuals at high risk of heart conditions. The foundation's programs focus on education, support, and direct intervention, helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency and improved quality of life.
Global Impact and Leadership:
Bouba is renowned for his advocacy and leadership in healthcare innovation, focusing on preventing heart diseases and improving patient outcomes. His mission to enhance local and global health is fueled by his social connections, professional knowledge, and personal experience with heart failure. By volunteering within his community and bringing a unique perspective from living in diverse parts of the world, including areas with limited resources, Bouba continues to make significant strides in raising awareness and driving positive change.
Community and Beyond:
Based in Boston, MA, with his family, Bouba's impact extends beyond his local community to his home countries of Mali and Senegal. His dedication to fostering connections and improving healthcare initiatives has made him a sought-after speaker and collaborator.
Contact Information:
For speaking engagements, collaborations, or partnership opportunities, please feel free to reach out to Bouba. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by heart conditions. Contact details can be provided upon request.
Key Achievements and Focus Areas:
- Education: Providing comprehensive heart health education to at-risk communities.
- Support: Offering resources and support networks for patients and caregivers.
- Direct Intervention: Implementing programs that directly improve the quality of life for individuals with heart conditions.
- Advocacy: Raising awareness and driving changes to enhance heart health outcomes globally.
Bouba's unwavering commitment and innovative approach inspire and empower individuals and communities worldwide.
Bouba’s Blog
Welcome to My Blog!
Welcome to My Heart Health Journey Blog
Hello, I'm Somaneh "Bouba" Diemé, a passionate advocate for heart health and the founder of the Heart of a Giant Foundation. I'm thrilled to have you join me here as I share my personal journey with heart failure and life as a heart transplant recipient.
From 2012 to 2022, I survived congestive heart failure caused by a congenital heart defect, leading to open-heart surgery to implant an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) pump. After a six-year wait, I finally received a heart transplant in late 2022. This journey has not only shaped my life but also fueled my commitment to improving patient outcomes and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives.
Through this blog, I aim to:
-Share my unfiltered experiences as a heart failure survivor and heart transplant recipient.
-Provide insights into the patient's perspective, making it more relevant to the improvement of therapies and healthcare systems.
-Empower and educate others about heart health, advocacy, and the power of community support.
-Inspire hope and resilience in those facing similar challenges.
Join the Journey.I invite you to be part of this journey, engaging with my stories, learning from my experiences, and contributing to the conversation. Together, we can drive positive change in heart health outcomes and improve the lives of patients worldwide.
Thank you for your support and for being part of this community!
New to the blog? Start by exploring some of my key posts and don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on new content.
Disclaimer: The information shared on this blog is based on my personal experiences and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any medical issues.
Latest Blogs
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
News & Media
Sign-up to stay updated with the latest news, interviews, and media appearances of Somaneh “Bouba” Diemé.
Discover how Bouba makes waves in healthcare advocacy, patient support, and heart health education. Follow his journey as he shares insights, success stories, and ongoing efforts to drive positive change in healthcare systems worldwide.
Latest News
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
The Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 84-2900386. Donations are tax-deductible.
