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.
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.
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.
Against all odds, Armin refused to let his diagnosis define him. But a ski trip to Colorado brought an unexpected twist, changing everything he thought he knew about his condition. What happened next was an ongoing battle, and Armin’s incredible resilience kept him fighting every step of the way.
“In life, not everything is perfect, and sometimes we have obstacles that come our way…But being that rebellion that I was at 16, I didn’t want to listen to healthcare providers. But as you physically see how your body is on the inside, when I saw my heart compared to a normal 17-year-old, I knew at that point that this is really serious.” – Armin.
Bouba sits down with his guest Armin Muzafirovic to talk about the ups and downs of his heart journey. Armin has navigated the challenges of living with heart disease since his mid-teens. His journey began with a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, followed by discovering his heart condition. Despite these setbacks, Armin has remained determined to live life to the fullest, continuously seeking activities that push the boundaries of his physical capabilities. Armin’s story offers a unique perspective on the impact of heart disease on daily life and how he has adapted to his new reality.
In this episode, learn more about:
The complex world of heart transplant surgeries and the road to recovery.
Uncover the crucial role of a support system in managing heart disease and treatment.
Third, empower yourself as a patient advocate to take charge of your own heart health journey.
Finally, understand the urgent need for organ donors and increase awareness about heart transplantation.
Find out more about Armin here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armin.muza/
More from Living with Heart Disease:
Episode 5 – Life with an LVAD while waiting for a heart transplant
Connect with me:
Instagram: livingwithheartdisease.podcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartofagiant.foundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartofagiant
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LWHDpodcast
Catch the bonus content on our Youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@heartofagiant
Did you enjoy this episode? A free way to support our show is by leaving it a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover the Living with Heart Disease podcast.
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-10-inspiring-journey-from-heart-failure-to/id1567454596?i=1000608329515
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4aJeFMvnXyazgGuhR8A4Xs?si=6d9f19949f514714&nd=1
Chapter Summaries:
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.
Against all odds, Armin refused to let his diagnosis define him. But a ski trip to Colorado brought an unexpected twist, changing everything he thought he knew about his condition. What happened next was an ongoing battle, and Armin’s incredible resilience kept him fighting every step of the way.
“In life, not everything is perfect, and sometimes we have obstacles that come our way…But being that rebellion that I was at 16, I didn’t want to listen to healthcare providers. But as you physically see how your body is on the inside, when I saw my heart compared to a normal 17-year-old, I knew at that point that this is really serious.” – Armin.
Bouba sits down with his guest Armin Muzafirovic to talk about the ups and downs of his heart journey. Armin has navigated the challenges of living with heart disease since his mid-teens. His journey began with a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, followed by discovering his heart condition. Despite these setbacks, Armin has remained determined to live life to the fullest, continuously seeking activities that push the boundaries of his physical capabilities. Armin’s story offers a unique perspective on the impact of heart disease on daily life and how he has adapted to his new reality.
In this episode, learn more about:
The complex world of heart transplant surgeries and the road to recovery.
Uncover the crucial role of a support system in managing heart disease and treatment.
Third, empower yourself as a patient advocate to take charge of your own heart health journey.
Finally, understand the urgent need for organ donors and increase awareness about heart transplantation.
Find out more about Armin here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armin.muza/
More from Living with Heart Disease:
Episode 5 – Life with an LVAD while waiting for a heart transplant
Connect with me:
Instagram: livingwithheartdisease.podcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartofagiant.foundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartofagiant
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LWHDpodcast
Catch the bonus content on our Youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@heartofagiant
Did you enjoy this episode? A free way to support our show is by leaving it a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show, and it helps others discover the Living with Heart Disease podcast.
Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-10-inspiring-journey-from-heart-failure-to/id1567454596?i=1000608329515
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4aJeFMvnXyazgGuhR8A4Xs?si=6d9f19949f514714&nd=1
Chapter Summaries:
The Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 84-2900386. Donations are tax-deductible.