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
NUTRITION, WEIGHT LOSS AND ASKING FOR HELP
Living With Hypertension - One Man's Journey / November 22, 2023 / Leave a Comment
Dear Friends
This month brought a new (positive) milestone as my weight finally dropped below 250, which is still only 1/3 of my overall weight loss goal. Still, a 13 pound loss is something to celebrate, just not to excess!
Embracing Accountability: Working with a Nutritionist
My other achievement involved finally beginning work with a nutritionist, which will keep me accountable to someone other than myself. Once you get past the online surveys and paperwork, having a trained professional work with you on your eating habits (emphasis on habits) can keep some of your more self-destructive tendencies in check.
When you have to answer questions about what you “normally” consume each day, it gives one pause when deciding whether to indulge in or forego that sandwich at the Chick Fil A drive thru, or the slice of pizza from the gas station quick mart.
Monitoring Health: Insights from Daily Blood Pressure Checks
As part of my regimen with Heart of a Giant, I take my blood pressure each morning, right before I weigh myself. It’s fascinating to see the daily fluctuations, and whether what you ate yesterday has any bearing on your numbers the next morning.
I do notice that since I began drinking calorie-free seltzer instead of coca cola, my pants fit more loosely and I will soon need a smaller belt. Conversely, a “cheat day” involving pizza or other high salt food won’t necessarily raise my blood pressure, but I’ll notice that I feel less motivated and more sluggish the following day.
Image sourced from Canva.com
Small Wins, Big Changes: Navigating My Nutrition Journey
My first official meeting with my nutritionist is still two weeks away, but I’m preparing for it like it’s the SAT. Breakfast has become heavier on bananas and yogurt, with frozen waffles the last remaining decadence as of this moment.
Dinners are– more often than not– cooked and consumed at home, lessening temptation (and excuse making) to pursue less heart healthy options. I know it doesn’t sound like a great accomplishment to tilt the scales at 248 pounds, but compared to where I’ve been it’s incremental but encouraging progress.
As the old joke goes, I may be lost, but I’m headed in the right direction.
Lewis Howe is the Community Partnerships Co-Ordinator for the Heart of a Giant Foundation. He welcomes your ideas, suggestions and expressions of support to help him in his fight against high blood pressure. You can reach him at [email protected].
News & Media
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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
NUTRITION, WEIGHT LOSS AND ASKING FOR HELP
Living With Hypertension - One Man's Journey / November 22, 2023 / Leave a Comment
Dear Friends
This month brought a new (positive) milestone as my weight finally dropped below 250, which is still only 1/3 of my overall weight loss goal. Still, a 13 pound loss is something to celebrate, just not to excess!
Embracing Accountability: Working with a Nutritionist
My other achievement involved finally beginning work with a nutritionist, which will keep me accountable to someone other than myself. Once you get past the online surveys and paperwork, having a trained professional work with you on your eating habits (emphasis on habits) can keep some of your more self-destructive tendencies in check.
When you have to answer questions about what you “normally” consume each day, it gives one pause when deciding whether to indulge in or forego that sandwich at the Chick Fil A drive thru, or the slice of pizza from the gas station quick mart.
Monitoring Health: Insights from Daily Blood Pressure Checks
As part of my regimen with Heart of a Giant, I take my blood pressure each morning, right before I weigh myself. It’s fascinating to see the daily fluctuations, and whether what you ate yesterday has any bearing on your numbers the next morning.
I do notice that since I began drinking calorie-free seltzer instead of coca cola, my pants fit more loosely and I will soon need a smaller belt. Conversely, a “cheat day” involving pizza or other high salt food won’t necessarily raise my blood pressure, but I’ll notice that I feel less motivated and more sluggish the following day.
Image sourced from Canva.com
Small Wins, Big Changes: Navigating My Nutrition Journey
My first official meeting with my nutritionist is still two weeks away, but I’m preparing for it like it’s the SAT. Breakfast has become heavier on bananas and yogurt, with frozen waffles the last remaining decadence as of this moment.
Dinners are– more often than not– cooked and consumed at home, lessening temptation (and excuse making) to pursue less heart healthy options. I know it doesn’t sound like a great accomplishment to tilt the scales at 248 pounds, but compared to where I’ve been it’s incremental but encouraging progress.
As the old joke goes, I may be lost, but I’m headed in the right direction.
Lewis Howe is the Community Partnerships Co-Ordinator for the Heart of a Giant Foundation. He welcomes your ideas, suggestions and expressions of support to help him in his fight against high blood pressure. You can reach him at [email protected].
The Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 84-2900386. Donations are tax-deductible.
