Hello friends, we're back after a period of quiet dedication and self-improvement. We've been busy working on ourselves and our foundation and are eager to share what we've been up to. The next few months will reveal why taking a hiatus was so worthwhile.

Health Update

I'm now approaching my 20th-month post-heart transplant, and I feel tremendous. The journey has been extraordinary, with the first and second years presenting vastly different experiences. I'm still in the process of fully embracing and integrating my new heart into my life. It's a unique sensation, like getting to know a new part of myself. My health has been remarkably good, and my body has responded well to the transplant, allowing me to recover swiftly and return to my family and work.

Regular follow-ups, from weekly to quarterly and even six-month intervals, have ensured everything is on track. My medical care has been exceptional, surpassing my expectations. My doctors have been incredibly committed, with one of them even referring to my progress as a "medical miracle." I'm extremely grateful for their support and expertise.

Personal Milestones

Last year, I celebrated my first transplant anniversary, which coincided with my first work anniversary in my current job, as I had started working just a couple of weeks before the transplant. Around the same time, my wife and I prepared for our wedding renewal, a beautiful celebration of our 10-year union. The event was filled with meaning and symbolism. I was overwhelmed with emotion as friends and family, including those who have known me since birth and watched my children grow, gathered to celebrate with us.

Before the celebration, I traveled back to Dakar and Bamako for the first time in seven and a half years. I visited family and caught up with longtime friends. While it was bittersweet that my mom couldn't be there in person due to her dialysis treatments abroad, I knew she was with us in spirit. The trip was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with friends and put the final touches on our wedding plans.

It was epic!!! See the short recaps here: Recap A - Bouba and Des and Recap B - Bouba and Des.

Let me know if you’d like to see the full videos. 

Professional Growth

Now, almost two years after the transplant, I've been reflecting on my life and priorities. My dedication to healthcare innovation and community support remains strong, and I'm considering my next career steps and how best to balance personal growth and responsibilities. I've even taken a semi-sabbatical to rest and recharge, which was much needed after the intense period of post-transplant recovery.

As a leader, I've taken the time to reflect and refine my vision and mission personally and for the foundation. Our focus areas are well-defined, and we want to expand our impact. One of the ideas we're exploring is geographical expansion, directly or through partnerships with other organizations.

While there have been challenges along the way, we've managed to navigate them and remain healthy. I'm grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues, and I'm excited about the future. We're looking forward to sharing more updates soon and continuing to make a positive impact through our work.

Foundation Updates

This year, we have taken the time to slow down and strategize for the future. We have completed a strategic plan, which the Board will soon review. The year's first half has been dedicated to planning our expansion, setting new objectives, crafting a strategic plan for 2025-2030, revising budgets, and improving our programs. Our early successes have given us a strong foundation, and we are now focused on solidifying our operations and strengthening our team. This plan outlines our goals and initiatives for the coming years. Our team has grown significantly from 6-7 nurses to 17+ Community Health Coaches, composed of physicians, registered and professional nurses, social workers, nutritionists, dietitians, dental hygienists, pharmacists, and psychiatrists. This diverse team allows us to offer a holistic approach to our services. We are excited to soon share important updates, including our systems and programs. We are also building on the success of the past years with our partner organizations and have compelling stories to share soon.

We have also revamped our website (https://heartofagiant.org) and developed a bespoke CRM platform to streamline operations, manage our team and programs, handle grants and donations, and automate processes. This system will help us expand more efficiently, reducing paperwork and improving communication with patients and partners. We are excited to offer new programs, including diabetes awareness and management, cholesterol monitoring, and developing our remote patient monit

HGF Spotlight on Lenny Zakim Fund website.

We've also implemented a bespoke CRM system to optimize our processes and facilitate team management. This system allows us to manage our team more effectively, automate processes, and collaborate better with patients while protecting their files. Our website and platform have been revamped, and we're working on better telling our story and showcasing our impact.

Upcoming Projects and Events

We are exploring geographic expansion and deepening our impact online. To reach more people, we plan to establish a new space for in-person services and a mobile van.

Call for Support

• Current needs at HGF include funding/donations and volunteers to assist with screenings, primarily volunteers with medical expertise.

• We're looking to expand our Board and welcome new members with diverse skills and networks (See Ideal Board Member Personas and Minimum Obligations). If you're passionate about improving cardiac health outcomes and have experience in healthcare, non-profit management, finance, marketing, or community outreach, please contact us, refer, or nominate someone.

Upcoming Events

• Community Heart Walk:** Save the date for October 12, when we'll celebrate our inaugural Heart of a Giant Day with the first Boston Community Heart Walk.

• Gala Night: Our first gala will be held early next year, potentially in February (Heart Month). Stay tuned for more details and a save-the-date announcement.

How You Can Help with Fundraising Efforts

• Subscribe to heartofagiant.org and follow our social media pages

• Donate: Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated. Text to Donate: Text the code "OURWALK" to 44-321.

• Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Consider setting up a fundraiser on behalf of the foundation.

• Corporate Sponsorships: Connect us with potential sponsors or partners.

• Spread the Word: Share our mission and events with your network.

Thank you for your continued support. Let's stay connected. We're excited about the future and grateful for your involvement. Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to join our board, volunteer, or support us in any way.

In health,  

Bouba