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
FATHER’S DAY SPOTLIGHT: HOW DADS CAN SET A POSITIVE EXAMPLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S HEART HEALTH
As we honor and appreciate fathers for their powerful roles, it’s important to recognize their impact on their children’s health. Dads have a unique opportunity to set a positive example by promoting healthy lifestyle habits that can shape their children’s well-being for years to come. Let’s explore the importance of fathers in fostering heart-healthy habits.
Leading by Example
It’s common knowledge that children often learn by observing their parents. When it comes to health, fathers can lead by example by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. By prioritizing their well-being and engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress effectively, and prioritizing sleep, fathers can demonstrate to their children firsthand the importance of caring for one’s heart health.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Active fathers can inspire their children to embrace physical activity as a regular part of their lives. Engaging in outdoor activities, playing sports, going for family walks or bike rides, or simply enjoying active playtime together can instill a love for movement and exercise in children. These activities promote heart health, foster family bonds, and help create cherished memories!
Cooking Nutritious Meals
Dads who take an active role in meal planning and cooking can help to ensure that their family’s diet is wholesome and heart-healthy. By involving children in meal preparation, dads can teach them about nutritious food choices, portion control, and the importance of a well-balanced diet. This hands-on approach promotes a positive relationship with food and cultivates healthy eating habits from an early age.
Promoting Emotional Well-being
Fatherhood extends beyond physical health and encompasses emotional well-being too. Dads can create a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages open communication, emotional expression, and resilience. By fostering positive emotional health, fathers contribute to reducing stress levels and promoting a healthier heart for both themselves and their children.
Photo by Zach Vessels on Unsplash
Being a Health Advocate
Dads can take an active role in their family’s health by being advocates for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive screenings. By staying informed about health guidelines and ensuring their family receives appropriate medical care, fathers prioritize their loved one’s well-being and set a strong foundation for a heart-healthy future.
There’s no way to oversell the unique and powerful impact fathers can have on their children’s well-being. By incorporating healthy practices into their own lives and engaging their children in the process, dads can instill lifelong habits that promote heart health and overall wellness. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate dads who are making a difference in their children’s lives by prioritizing heart health. Through active play, shared healthy meals, open communication, or healthcare advocacy, fathers can shape their children’s attitudes and behaviors toward their well-being.
Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash
Remember, every positive step you take as a father contributes to your child’s understanding and practice of heart-healthy habits. Embrace the opportunity to be a role model, inspire your children, and create a legacy of heart health that will impact their lives for years to come.
Happy Father’s Day!
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
FATHER’S DAY SPOTLIGHT: HOW DADS CAN SET A POSITIVE EXAMPLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S HEART HEALTH
As we honor and appreciate fathers for their powerful roles, it’s important to recognize their impact on their children’s health. Dads have a unique opportunity to set a positive example by promoting healthy lifestyle habits that can shape their children’s well-being for years to come. Let’s explore the importance of fathers in fostering heart-healthy habits.
Leading by Example
It’s common knowledge that children often learn by observing their parents. When it comes to health, fathers can lead by example by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. By prioritizing their well-being and engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress effectively, and prioritizing sleep, fathers can demonstrate to their children firsthand the importance of caring for one’s heart health.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Active fathers can inspire their children to embrace physical activity as a regular part of their lives. Engaging in outdoor activities, playing sports, going for family walks or bike rides, or simply enjoying active playtime together can instill a love for movement and exercise in children. These activities promote heart health, foster family bonds, and help create cherished memories!
Cooking Nutritious Meals
Dads who take an active role in meal planning and cooking can help to ensure that their family’s diet is wholesome and heart-healthy. By involving children in meal preparation, dads can teach them about nutritious food choices, portion control, and the importance of a well-balanced diet. This hands-on approach promotes a positive relationship with food and cultivates healthy eating habits from an early age.
Promoting Emotional Well-being
Fatherhood extends beyond physical health and encompasses emotional well-being too. Dads can create a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages open communication, emotional expression, and resilience. By fostering positive emotional health, fathers contribute to reducing stress levels and promoting a healthier heart for both themselves and their children.
Photo by Zach Vessels on Unsplash
Being a Health Advocate
Dads can take an active role in their family’s health by being advocates for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive screenings. By staying informed about health guidelines and ensuring their family receives appropriate medical care, fathers prioritize their loved one’s well-being and set a strong foundation for a heart-healthy future.
There’s no way to oversell the unique and powerful impact fathers can have on their children’s well-being. By incorporating healthy practices into their own lives and engaging their children in the process, dads can instill lifelong habits that promote heart health and overall wellness. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate dads who are making a difference in their children’s lives by prioritizing heart health. Through active play, shared healthy meals, open communication, or healthcare advocacy, fathers can shape their children’s attitudes and behaviors toward their well-being.
Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash
Remember, every positive step you take as a father contributes to your child’s understanding and practice of heart-healthy habits. Embrace the opportunity to be a role model, inspire your children, and create a legacy of heart health that will impact their lives for years to come.
Happy Father’s Day!
The Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 84-2900386. Donations are tax-deductible.
