June 2012 Annual Report

Connecting the world’s smallest hearts
to the world’s brightest minds
A patient and her mother at Nhi Dong 1, a Children’s HeartLink partner site in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
90 percent of newborns worldwide with
congenital heart disease live where medical
care is inadequate or unavailable.1
Tchervenkov, C., Jacobs, J., Bernier, P., et al. “The improvement of care for paediatric and congenital cardiac disease across the world: a challenge
for the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery,” Cardiol Young 2008; 18 (Suppl. 2): 63–69. Cambridge University Press.
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Healing broken hearts,
together
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Letter from Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Letter from Joseph A. Dearani, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Our programs: Collaborating for children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highlights of our accomplishments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visionary Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Medical volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Organizational volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International Advisory Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board of Directors and staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Our financial health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Dear friends of
Children’s HeartLink,
As you read the pages within this annual report, you will see that long-term relationships and collaboration
are at the core of our philosophy. We are absolutely committed to helping our carefully chosen partners
around the world build the capacity of their pediatric cardiac programs. This objective directs every
move we make. Our commitment has remained consistent through the decades because the incidence
of children born with heart defects knows no geographical or socioeconomic border. It remains
approximately one in 120 births — wherever you go. Also universal is a parent’s love and concern for a sick
child. It is as fierce in Brazil or Vietnam or India or China as it is in the United States. The inconsistency,
however, is in the access to treatment. Many children with heart defects, who could have a good quality of
life with treatment, do not have access to care or even accurate diagnoses. Many of them die. Children’s
HeartLink is working to change that by building capacity in pediatric cardiac care.
Our model works because we have eager, committed partners, outstanding and compassionate medical
volunteers from renowned institutions, generous financial contributors, a dedicated and experienced
staff, and a wonderful board of directors — all of whom come together to engage and support us in our
continuing efforts to push Children’s HeartLink further. Now in its second year, I also want to share our
deep appreciation for our International Advisory Board, led by former Secretary of Health and Human
Services Tommy G. Thompson and former Senator Tom Daschle. This group of global experts provides
us valuable consultation and expertise, as well as endorsement in the international medical arena. We are
collaborating and networking with international governments and organizations more than ever before.
Fiscal year 2012 had many successes. Children’s HeartLink developed a comprehensive strategic plan to
help guide our activities for the next several years. This important initiative tightened the focus of our
objectives and continued to improve the effectiveness of our program delivery model. We continued to
support clinical and organizational training by providing a wide range of educational opportunities for
pediatric cardiac professionals at our 10 partner sites in six countries. We also expanded community
capacity-building initiatives for groups of medical practitioners in the communities and regions
surrounding our partner sites through workshops, regional conferences and the implementation of
an online pediatric cardiology training platform, all reaching groups of developing world medical
professionals from the wider community. With our first Global Partner in Pediatric Care and Training,
the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi, India, we are advancing the ability of training in
India. Our internal systems and monitoring and evaluation capacity was strengthened with the addition
of an international programs analyst, and we hired our first India in-country consultant. As a part of our
advocacy and outreach efforts, Children’s HeartLink participated in a historic United Nations High-Level
Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases.
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A young patient recovers in the ICU after heart surgery at Nhi Dong 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney
Along with these successes, there were also learning opportunities and challenges. The implementation
of a more comprehensive and rigorous delivery model created some unexpected demands on our partners.
Together, we are planning ways to address these challenges in the coming fiscal year. In some cases,
our program delivery was slower than expected due to site transactions, staffing shortages and other
unanticipated factors, which translated to decreased activity and revenues. Nevertheless, Children’s
HeartLink remained steadfast in its commitment to our partners. The need continues to be great and we
will continue to cultivate our deep knowledge of capacity building so that one day, all children will have
access to quality care for the treatment of heart disease.
On behalf of everyone who is a part of the Children’s HeartLink family,
thank you for your belief in our mission and for sharing your skills and
expertise, your financial support and your friendship.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney
President, Children’s HeartLink
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Following our hearts
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect and occurs in approximately 1 percent
of live births. For example, China has approximately 164,000 children born annually with CHD. In India,
around 270,000 children are born each year with CHD. In Brazil, it’s about 29,000.
The gap between patient need and accessible treatment is staggering. In fact, 90 percent of newborns
with congenital heart disease live where medical care is inadequate or unavailable. For more than 43 years,
Children’s HeartLink has worked in several countries around the world to close this gap and to build
the capacity of pediatric cardiac care programs in underserved areas. We work closely with our partner
programs to support them in providing education and strengthening the knowledge, skills and abilities of
their pediatric cardiac teams. By providing training and mentoring programs that each site requires to be
successful, we help them become sustainable centers of excellence so that ultimately, our vision of children
around the world having access to quality cardiac care can be a reality.
We could not do this work without the remarkable dedication of our medical volunteers, who represent
some of the finest medical institutions in the world, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital in the
U.K., Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Children’s Hospital Boston, Mayo Clinic, Morgan
Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Seattle
Children’s Hospital, Stanford University’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, University of Minnesota
Amplatz Children’s Hospital, along with Gleneagles Hospital, National University and KK Women’s and
Children’s Hospital in Singapore.
There is a quote from Steve Jobs that I am quite fond of, and I think it is extremely relevant to the work
Children’s HeartLink, its partners and medical volunteers do year after year: “The only way to do great
work is to love what you do. Don’t settle. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. As with all matters of
the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” We would not be where we are today without passionate people
who love what they do, and do it remarkably well.
By capitalizing on their generosity and skills, Children’s HeartLink is able to promote sustainable, highquality cardiac care for children, touching hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. All of this is
not possible without your interest, dedication and continued support. Thank you for caring.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Joseph A. Dearani, M.D.
Medical Director, Children’s HeartLink
Chair, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic
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A smiling patient from our partner site Nhi Dong 1 in Vietnam. Photo: Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney
With the help of our international partners and
medical volunteers, Children’s HeartLink trained
842 medical professionals in the fiscal year 2012.
A mother and her young son wait in the hallway at Nhi Dong 1 in Vietnam.
A smiling patient from our partner site Nhi Dong 1 in Vietnam. Photo: Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney
Collaborating
for children
Our Purpose and Aspiration
Our purpose and aspiration is to assure that children around the world have access to quality care for the
treatment of heart disease. In partnership with key stakeholders, we aspire to achieve this by:
• Supporting the development of self-sustaining centers of excellence in pediatric and congenital
cardiac care and training in areas of need
• Empowering medical professionals to meet the needs of children with heart disease
• Supporting communities surrounding partner sites to coordinate resources that facilitate access
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“These trips are an amazing crash course
introduction to the modes of delivery of health
care around the world. In many ways, our
challenge as ‘consultants’ is to balance our
expectations with what may or may not be
feasible abroad. While this conundrum can often
be the source of great angst, it is also one of the
true intellectual rewards of our trips.”
onathan Chen, M.D.
J
Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Our Programs: How We Work
Children’s HeartLink improves access to quality pediatric cardiac care by helping pediatric cardiac
programs in areas of need become sustainable regional centers of excellence. Children’s HeartLink
works in concert with our many dedicated medical volunteers to provide training, mentoring and
capacity-building opportunities that meet the unique needs of our partner sites. Our work with
partner sites can include:
• Organizing and facilitating full-team cardiac training visits
• Sponsoring specialized off-site training in the developed world for partner site staff
• Organizing and facilitating consultant or small team visits to meet the specialized needs of our
partner sites, such as infection prevention and control
• Supporting distance-learning opportunities
• Supporting participation in quality measurement, monitoring and improvement activities
• Supporting partner sites in educating parents and other family caregivers in the most effective ways
to care for their child at home after open-heart surgery
When local circumstances call for it, we also work with governments and other organizations. In all our
work on behalf of children, we rely on the tools of collaboration, capacity building, accountability and,
most important of all, friendship.
In some regions where we have extensive experience and stakeholder networks, we are beginning to
expand beyond our site-specific work by collaborating with organizations that have a larger community,
regional or national reach. For example, in India, we have been collaborating with:
• The Indian Academy of Pediatrics to enhance the skills of practicing pediatricians in early detection
of pediatric heart disease
• The National Board of Examinations to enhance India’s pediatric cardiology and pediatrics
fellowship training programs
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2012: Tightened focus,
Improved effectiveness
In the past year, Children’s HeartLink continued to improve our program delivery model and effectiveness
by working with partners to build sustainable capacity in pediatric cardiac care at our partner sites and
in the communities surrounding them. We continued to support clinical training and organizational and
leadership development and provided a range of educational and technical assistance opportunities for
pediatric cardiac professionals at our 10 partner sites in six countries.
This included:
• Three full-team cardiac training visits by our volunteer teams
• Eight small team and consultant training visits
• Seven off-site training experiences for our partner site staff
In fiscal year 2012, we also expanded our community capacity-building initiatives for groups of medical
practitioners in the communities and regions surrounding our partner sites. This resulted in five Children’s
HeartLink-sponsored workshops, one regional conference at which Children’s HeartLink volunteers
presented and the implementation of an online pediatric cardiology training platform, all reaching groups
of developing world medical professionals from the wider community. All together with our international
partners and medical volunteers, we were able to train 842 medical professionals in fiscal year 2012.
We continued to work with our first Global Partner in Pediatric Cardiac Care and Training, Amrita
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Kochi. After working with AIMS for 12 years, we recognized
them in fiscal year 2011 as having earned our Global Partner status. The pediatric cardiac team at AIMS
is a valuable resource for the pediatric cardiac community in India and the world, serving as a regional
center of excellence in treatment and training and as a thought leader in challenges and opportunities
unique to the management and improvement of pediatric cardiac care in the developing world. This
past year, with support from Children’s HeartLink and St. Jude Medical, the team at AIMS organized
three interventional cardiology training workshops where 15 pediatric cardiologists received training and
34 patients were treated. In partnership with Children’s HeartLink and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics,
they also organized two workshops for practicing pediatricians where 170 people were trained on basic
screening techniques for pediatric cardiac problems and proper follow up for pediatric cardiac surgical
patients. Both of these projects are part of Children’s HeartLink’s increased commitment to community
capacity building programs for health professional training aimed at improving community-based
screening, appropriate referral, and in-hospital care for children with heart disease across India.
Also during this year, we strengthened our internal systems and monitoring and evaluation capacity
with the addition of an international programs analyst and our first India in-country consultant. This
new position in India helps us maintain, deepen and strengthen existing relationships with Children’s
HeartLink partners in India, and also identify and develop new relationships with government and private
contacts. As part of our advocacy and outreach efforts, Children’s HeartLink was also part of a historic
United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases.
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Kyiv, Ukraine
Changchun, China
Lanzhou, China
Chengdu, China
Chandigarh, India
Hyderabad, India
Bangalore, India
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Kochi, India
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Loja and Manabí
Provinces, Ecuador
São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
Children’s HeartLink:
Partner Program Locations
Brazil
Ecuador
Malaysia
Hospital de Base, São José do Rio Preto
Tropical Disease Institute of Ohio University
and Catholic University of Ecuador, Loja and
Manabí Provinces
Institut Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute),
Kuala Lumpur
China
Jilin Heart Hospital, Changchun
First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou
West China Hospital #1 of Sichuan University,
Chengdu
Ukraine
India
Ukrainian Children’s Cardiac Center, Kyiv
Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital, Bangalore
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and
Research, Chandigarh
Innova Children’s Heart Hospital, Hyderabad
Vietnam
Nhi Dong 1 (Children’s Hospital 1), Ho Chi Minh City
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
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An eventful year
Samba dancers Edilson Lima and Palloma Pimentel kicked off the 2011 HeartLink Gala presented by U.S. Bank.
Photo: Molly Platisha of Phoetic Images
Children’s HeartLink is fortunate to partner with globally oriented individuals and businesses who
are passionate about improving the welfare of children around the world suffering from heart disease.
Fundraising is the focus of Children’s HeartLink events, but the talented entertainment, showcase
venues and enthusiastic guests contribute to the building excitement year after year. This year’s events
were a testament to the imagination and dedication of the volunteers, whose gifts of time and talent yield
incredible dividends for our partner programs and the people they serve.
2011 HeartLink Gala Presented by U.S. Bank
The 2011 HeartLink Gala brought together nearly 725 guests and volunteers at the Hilton Minneapolis
to celebrate the beauty of healing. Dedicated honorary chairs Theresa and Richard Davis, Chairman,
President and CEO of U.S. Bancorp, helped Children’s HeartLink surpass 2011 HeartLink Gala’s
sponsorship goal and create the biggest HeartLink Gala to date! The 2011 HeartLink Gala raised more
than $782,000 — Children’s HeartLink’s highest-grossing event ever! In honor of Children’s HeartLink
partner site Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, guests were treated to a Brazilian Carnivalthemed event with performances by samba dancers Edilson Lima and Palloma Pimentel, Twin Citiesbased Brazilian band Beira Mar Brasil with percussion ensemble Batucada do Norte, and complimentary
Brazilian face painting. A culinary-themed silent auction, live auction and heart-warming speeches from
Dr. Ulisses Alexandre Croti and his wife, Dr. Lilian Beani, completed the evening, which was hosted by
Mark Rosen, WCCO-TV’s sports director and Children’s HeartLink board member.
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Barb Schuh, Denise LeClaire, KARE-TV’s Kim Insley and Brandon Schuh passed out Tiramisu for Two samples at the
Plymouth Lunds. Photo: Carrie Ellis
Heart to Heart 2012
For the sixth year, gourmet supermarket Lunds and Byerly’s created the perfect Valentine’s Day
dessert, Tiramisu for Two, and proceeds from sales benefitted Children’s HeartLink. This special
Valentine’s Day campaign was also supported by Frito Lay, Caribou Coffee, Pepsi Bottling Group,
MOM Brands and the Star Tribune. Lunds and Byerly’s sponsored a tiramisu tasting in all Twin
Cities locations, featuring blue-ribbon baker Marjorie Johnson; KARE-TV personalities Belinda
Jensen, Mike Pomeranz and Kim Insley; as well as radio personalities Henry Lake and Brian (BT)
Turner, along with seven University of Minnesota Gopher football players. Grocery shoppers had the
opportunity to donate $3, $5 or $10 to Children’s HeartLink at checkout, making it easy for customers
to include donations to Children’s HeartLink on their grocery bill. The 2012 Heart to Heart campaign
raised approximately $43,000.
20th Annual heartLINKS Golf Invitational
The 20th Annual heartLINKS Golf Invitational was
held at the Golden Valley Golf and Country Club.
Hosted by Mark Rosen, WCCO-TV’s sports director,
the event featured an exciting day of golf, the Miller
Lite Oasis, a cocktail reception, award ceremony, silent
auction, raffle and heartfelt remarks from medical
volunteer Karin Robeck, R.N., from the University
of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital. Contests
such as Chipotle’s Beat-the-Pro, pre-tournament Putt
to the Summit, Straightest Drive and U.S. Bank
FlexPerks “Get Away” contests provided a competitive
atmosphere for golfers’ enjoyment. This year’s golf event
raised $55,000 for Children’s HeartLink.
Chris Neugent, Sally Smith, Tom Bach and
Joel Conner made par at the 20th Annual
heartLINKS Golf Invitational. Photo: Molly Platisha
of Phoetic Images
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Donors
Thank you to all of our donors for your devotion and concern for children. We are proud and honored to
recognize your contributions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of contributions made between
July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012. Please inform the development offices at (952) 928-4860, ext. 23, of any oversight or
inaccuracies and please accept our apologies in advance.
Corporations, Foundations
and Organizations
$100,000+
Medtronic Foundation
$50,000–$99,999
Edwards Lifesciences
U.S. Bank
$25,000–$49,999
Boston Scientific
Deloitte
Holiday Companies
The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation
Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Minnesota Vikings
St. Jude Medical, Inc.
The Tarsadia Foundation
$10,000–$24,999
Andreas Foundation
Best Buy
Cargill
Caribou Coffee Company, Inc.
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
DeCare Dental
Ecolab
Ernst & Young, LLP
Federated Insurance
General Mills
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George Family Foundation
Oracle
Pentair
Pohlad Companies
Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc.
Ryan Companies US, Inc.
POPP Communications
Target Corporation
PwC
TCF Financial Corp.
Russell T. Lund Charitable Trust
Thomson Reuters
UBS Private Wealth Management
Xcel Energy
UnitedHealthcare
$1,000–$4,999
$5,000–$9,999
Accenture
ACIST Medical Systems
Aeration Industries International, Inc.
APi Group, Inc.
Alerus Financial
Baker Tilly
American Legion Auxiliary Dept. of Illinois
CBX
America’s Charities
The C. Charles Jackson Foundation
Ameriprise Financial
Dorsey and Whitney, L.L.P.
Arizant Healthcare
Eide Bailly
Bellisio Foods, Inc.
Engelsma Family Foundation
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Minnesota
Frito-Lay
BMW of Minnetonka
Goldner Hawn Johnson and Morrison, Inc.
Chicago Area Combined Federal Campaign
Great River Energy
Copeland Buhl
Hays Companies
Delta Air Lines
HealthPartners
Gage Family Foundation
Hedberg Family Charitable Foundation
Good Samaritan United Methodist Church
Malt-O-Meal Company
Gray Plant Mooty
McKinsey & Company, Inc.
Greater Twin Cities United Way
Microsoft Matching Gifts Program
Holy Cow
Minnesota Twins
IBM Employee Services Center
Mortenson Family Foundation
Larry D. Martin
Moss & Barnett P.A.
Leonard, Street & Deinard
Nath Family Foundation
Lunds and Byerly’s
NightOwl Document Management Services, Inc.
The Eis Foundation
United Way California Capital Region
Piper Jaffray
Kaiser Permanente Community Giving
Campaign
United Way of New York City
RBC Wealth Management
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi
Sandvold & Associates
Style-Architects
Network for Good
Stokes Auction Group, Inc.
UCare
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago
United Way of the National Capital Area
U.S. Bank FlexPerks Visa
Wayzata Community Church
Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign
Willis of Minnesota, Inc.
United Way of Long Island
Synergy Graphics
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation
Uponor
Up to $249
Individuals
Alpha Theta of the University of Wisconsin
American Express Foundation
$25,000+
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 52
Theresa and Richard Davis
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73
Katina and Franck Gougeon
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 139
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 169
$10,000–$24,999
Boston Scientific Employee Giving Program
Darrel R. Alkire
CFC of Central Ohio and West Virginia
Deb and David Andreas
CFC of Central Virginia
Marie and Ron Kalich
Chapter B.P. Edina, MN P.E.O. Sisterhood
Molly Joseph and Andrew Olson
Coachella Valley & Twentynine Palms Area CFC
Michael Rimland
Combined Federal Campaign
Greater New Orleans
Mike and Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney
Dell Employee Giving
$5,000–$9,999
Lindquist & Vennum
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Minnesota
Julie and Doug Baker
Oak Grove Foundation
Horizon Agency
State Employees’ Community Campaign
Los Angeles Area CFC
SUNY Geneseo Women’s Leadership Institute
Philoptochos Society Athena
TechGen Consulting, Inc.
Piper Jaffray Employee Giving
Vibha
Pryce Score
Whitney Foundation
ZocDoc
$500–$999
Airline Tariff Publishing Company
Community Shares of Minnesota
Geyen Group
Groupon
Independent Charities of America
Puerto Rico Combined Federal Campaign
$250–$499
Resident’s Association of Friendship Village
Associated Financial Group
St. George Greek Orthodox,
Philoptochos Society
CVS Annual Giving Campaign
Truist
Marianne and Brett Brewer
Susan Kline and John Eisberg
Sue and Brian Erickson
Shane Fox
Susan Gebelein and Richard Holcomb
Laura and Joseph Kiser, M.D.
Michele and Jim Kolar
Kathy and Emmett McMahon
Ardelle Nicoloff
Dorothy and Robert Ollmann
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Julie and Dwight Opperman
Joan and Richard Migliori, M.D.
Jill and Kurtis Krentz
Cindy and Greg Page
Anne and Tom Mootz
Mary Burns and Stephen C. Kurachek, M.D.
Dannette Smith and David Piehl
Jeanne and Thomas Morizio
Anne and Greg Kurowski
Wendy Bennett and Kendall Powell
Kelly and Andrew Nelson
Mark Mooers
Lynda and Terry Sandvold
Paul Pitlick, M.D.
Katie and Mark Mortenson
Cindy and Daniel J. Starks
Marie Steiner, M.D. and Lee Pyles, M.D.
Leslie and Chris Neugent
Kenneth Leo Quaglio
Maureen and Bill Olson
$1,000–$4,999
Kevin Rehnberg
Jean and Jeff Paurus, R.N.
Blair and Michelle Allen
Onie and Gordon H. Ritz, Jr.
Rolf Peters
Charlene and Mark Altman
Maggie Gilbert and Robert Rosenbaum
Susan and Carl Platou
James H. Anderson
Kris and Bill Russell
Maria and Paul Rog
Eileen and Thomas Armitage, M.D.
Kimberly and Thomas Sabow
Kathleen and Thomas Rogers
Craig and Rachael Atkinson
Jim and Van Sanders
Sonja Hutchinson and Rick Rohrer
Karen and Thomas Bach
Janet and Ron Schutz
David Saggau
Steve Baisch, M.D.
Joyce and William Sieben
Christina Holm-Sandok and Craig Sandok
Nancy and Paul Boddicker
Barb Simonson
Tina and Archie Smith
Susan Wyble and Kevin M. Busch
Katie and Scott Sisel
Jim St. Louis, M.D.
Sally K. Bye
Diane and Paul Stebbins
Marlene and Tony Straszewski
Jennie and Dick Carlson
Marsha and Gary Tankenoff
Ida Belle R. Sweitzer
Christine and Jeremy Chase
Michael Towns, M.D.
Clint and Julie Vilks
Joel Conner
Jill and John Trautz
Maureen Kucera-Walsh and Mike Walsh
Mary Jo and Sam Cote
Anjali and Sameer Vijayakar
Carla and Rod Young
Melinda and Jeff Cotton
Janet and Jeff von Gillern
Senator Tom Daschle
Trudy and John Wilgers
$250–$499
Ann M. and Joseph A. Dearani, M.D.
Otto C. Winzen
Suzanne and Tim Anderson
Chintan Doshi
Mary Anne and Les Young
Wendy and Lester Bagley
Amy and Stan Baratz
Kathy and Sam Economou
John Gaffney
$500–$999
Bonnie and F. Blanton Bessinger, Jr., M.D.
William Gualtieri
Brenda and Mike Arbeiter
Connie and Bill Cameron
Rachel and Scott Haisting
Brenda and Collin Barr
Dannette Coleman
Keith Halleland
Kim and Jeff Bjustrom
Russ Crawford
Sharon and Bill Hawkins
Sue and Paul Breckner
Carol and Ted Cushmore
Jean and John Hedberg
Estelle Brouwer
J. Michael Dady
Jane and Peter Hesslein, M.D.
Tonya and Joe Colletti
Melanie and Paul Dunleavy
Andrea Kaufman and Jim Jacobson
Jean and David A. Dassenko, M.D.
Ed Engelbrecht
Judy and Elliot Jaffee
Keith DeStasio
Paulette D. Engelby, R.N.
Peggy Johnson
Rebecca and Chris Lawton Flatters
Eleanor and William Ferril
Donna Avery and Thomas Kigin
Deborah Giesen
Karen and Lorry R. Frankel, M.D.
Kay Yantes and Fred Koury
Carol and Jason Hoopman
Zachary Freedman
Sylvia and Joe Lawver
Kathy Jenkins, M.D.
Lori and Brad Fritz
Naja and David Lockwood
Sharalyn K. and Bruce S. Johnson
Indu and Satya Garg
Usha Maddala
Erika and Herbert Kahler
Sally and Mike Grossman
Besse Maragos
Cheryll A. and Joseph P. Kerzman
Dorothy and Larry Hamm
Olivia Mastry
Elyse and Anupam Kharbanda
Bernie Harlow
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Patient Profile: Song Huancheng
Song Huancheng was only four months old when a
pediatrician diagnosed his ventricular septal defect
(VSD), a type of congenital heart defect, in the small
rural town of Linxia, about two hours outside of
Lanzhou in Gansu province — one of the poorest and
least-developed provinces in China.
Sally and Peter Herfurth
Lauren B. and Walter L. Adamson
Peter Hermanson
Jasit Ahluwalia
Laurie and Brian Herstig
Jean Aiken
Jerilyn and Brian Hooks
Patrick D. Alexander
Carol Huss
Holly Andrews
Elizabeth Kochiras
Marina and John Antoniou
Lisa Kochiras
John Arvold
Maria Kochiras
Shawna Marie Barger
Brent Kukla
Liliane and Guillaume Bastiaens
Craig A. Kvamme
Sarah Baudler
Elizabeth Plaetz Lori and Michael Lori
Charlene Behne
Carol K. and Daniel R.
Luthringshauser
Lisa Belch, R.N.
Carrie and Paul Martinson
James Patrick McCarthy, C.C.P.
Children’s HeartLink often hears from families who
have been searching for years in hopes of finding a
doctor with the training and expertise necessary to
help their children. With congenital heart disease,
sometimes it is not possible to wait that long. Luckily
for Huancheng, help came in time.
Shefali Mehta
Jeremiah Melquist
Eric and Jeremie Mercer
Kathleen and Gim Middleton
Susan Haggberg-Miller
and Bob Miller
Asha and Mahendra Nath
In January 2012, Children’s HeartLink joined medical
volunteers from the University of Minnesota Amplatz
Children’s Hospital for a cardiac training visit to the
First Hospital of Lanzhou University (FHLU) in
Lanzhou. Children’s HeartLink has supported FHLU
since 1999 and has facilitated the Amplatz-Lanzhou
partnership since 2010.
Juliana and Richard Paskach
Mary Perlich
Theresa Pesch
Holly and Eric Pihl
Pam and Bill Sagan
Melanie and Keith Sherman
Teresa and Ron Sit
Sally Smith
Huancheng’s parents, poor vegetable farmers, had lost
hope for their two-year-old son before meeting Dr. Lee
Pyles, a pediatric cardiologist, and Dr. James St. Louis,
a pediatric cardiac surgeon from Amplatz. Dr. St. Louis
performed Huancheng’s operation, along with Dr. Tang
Hanbo from FHLU, and Huancheng was released from
the ICU in three days with no complications.
A few months after the visit, Children’s HeartLink
staff received a letter from Huancheng’s father. In it,
he wrote, “Three months after the operation, my child
can now walk on his own. He has grown taller and
heavier. We love the red face that you have given him,
along with his new life. I wanted you to know that when
Huancheng grows older, I wish he will have a heart like
yours, and remember to give back to others.”
Susan and Don Smith
Jeanne and Leif Solberg
Mary Solberg
Laura and John Taft
Joanne Hoffer and Lee Tawil
Lisa and Duke Uihlein
Betty I. and
Robert A. Van Tassel, M.D.
Kelly and Chris Bellini
Peter Beniares
Shirley Bentdahl
Mary and Jim Bernard
Karen L. Bessler, R.N.
Erin Betlock
David Biderman
Marnie and Jeff Bigler
Song Bing
Beth and Lindsay Bird
Rich Birhanzel
Bette Ann and Richard Bloom
Lydia Botham
Marnie Wells and Ralph Bovard
Erin and Jason Brass
Cassie Broberg
Ron and Kathy Buhta
Jeffrey and Allison Cabalka, M.D.
Cynthia and Marco Calabrese
Mary Kay and Charlie Callahan
Mary Ann Campbell
Beth Carver-Kannel
Kristin Case
Steve Case
Stuart A. Chazin
Nancy and Wayne Vander Vort
Laura Christensen
Cindy Marsh and
Wendell Vandersluis
Dodd Clasen
Maria and Thomas Coffman
Marcia and Dan Cohen, M.D.
Up to $249
Cindy and Mike Colson
Anonymous
Rev. Anthony Coniaris
Kimberly and Norman Abramson
Cindy Cordes, R.N.
17
Cheryl and Jeff Cowan
Cindy and Ben Hamm
Rosemary and George Kreutzer
Roberta and James Craig, M.D.
Alyssa and Jon Hammar
Taylor Kristoffe-Jones
Dan Croonquist
Grace Han
Pamela and Richard Kunkel
Margarita and Deniz Cultu
Bea and Frank Hano
Pablo Kuntz
Emily Dale
Judy and Martin Hansen
Kathy and Robert Laedtke
Amy Deden
Margaret Harralson
Jill Swayne Lauterbach
Laurel Diede
John J. Harrer
Derek Lavalier
Mark Dixon
Ila and Kevin Harris, M.D.
Lars Leafblad
Elise Doemer
Shanna Haugland
Pat and Jim Lehman, M.D.
Tanya and Brian Dreesen
Cassandra and Matthew Headrick
Karen and Gregg Libbey
Lewis Driskill
Alan Hecht
Mia and David Liebl
Stephen Dunn
Peter Hedberg
Yesenia Lopez-Rodriguez
Cynthia and Dean Dutcher
Dean A. Henderson
Emerald Lu
Margaret and David Duxbury
Jill Hennesen
Zhaohui Lu
Marjorie and Brooks Edwards
Barbara and Al Herstig
Dan Lundahl
Barbara Eiger
Stephanie L. and William T. Heyer
Anne Lundberg
Kandace and David Ellis
Judith and James Hibma
Brad Madson
Betty and Brian Falk
Shoma Hokanson
Mary B. Makredes
Jesse Feltz
Norman M. Horns, M.D.
Peggy and Rodney Malikowski
Mae Ferguson
Kelly and Steven Housh
Rajeswari Manepalli
Emily Fialky
Nancy and Jim Hupp
Gene Marsh
Joanne Fioravanti Makielski, R.N.
Judy and Burt Isaacs
Margaret E. Shreves and William F. Marshall
Susan and Bill Firestone
Caroline Jackson
Sripriya Mathur
Barbara and Rick Fisk
Alexandra and Irwin Jacobs
Ingrid Mattsson
Jamie Flaws
Elizabeth and Erik Jensen
Elizabeth and Daniel Mayleben
Seth Foley
Kristi Jereska
Donna and Mike McCormick
Mary Ann and Richard Fossing
Carissa Johnson
Ann and Andrew McGinn
Donna and Larry Found
Joycelyn A. and Robert K. Johnson
Maggie and Scott McGurl
Madeline Fox
Wayne C. Johnson
Mike McKeon
Joan Rosenbaum and Seymour Frankel
Karen and Thomas J. Jollie
Edward L. Mears
Gloria F. Freeman
Marilyn and Harlan Jorgensen, M.D.
Linda Merritt, R.N.
Sally Forbes Friedman
Mike Joseph
Bill Mershon
Joan Froh
Kathryn and Thomas Julian
Cynthia and Scott Mevissen
Deanna Gage, R.N.
Kathy and John Junek
Lee Ann M. and Bruce R. Meyer
Cynthia Gensheimer
Carrie Ellis and Jason Kalgreen
Nancy and Dennis Mills
Howard Ginn
Margit Katz
Eleanor Mischuck and Mary Pascale
Deb Oberman and Mark Gittleman
Thea Keamy
Jill Misgen, R.N.
Dorothy and Leonard Gloeb
Fiona Rankin and Alan Keith
Britt Molde
Kathy and Ted Golbuff
David and Margaret Anderson Kelliher
Chris and Jack Morrison
Jack Greenberg
Jolie and Steve Klapmeier
Bruce Moyer, C.C.P.
Scott and Tiffany Levy Greene
Sharon Knight
John and Jodi K. Muenkel, R.N.
Anna Gustafson
Lazaros Kochilas
Amy and Rob Murphy
Kathy Bjerke and James L. Haas
Erin Kolar
Peggy and Jim Murray
Cindy Hacker, R.R.T.
Mary A. and Robert A. Kovell
Sara and Shawn Murray
18
Gregg Musiker
Jody and Tom O’Neil
Courtney Howard and Nathan Pesch
Katie and Nick Najjar
Jimmy Osborne
Ha Pham-Vu
Yan Ni, M.D.
Judith A. and Douglas A. Osland
Dzianis Pliutau
Leslie Otto and Alexander Nicoloff
Doug and Phyllis Ostergren
Jean Launspach, M.D., and Tony Plucinski, M.D.
Justin Niederman
Cheng-Hsin Ouyang
Kristy Prihoda, R.R.T.
Stacy Nitz
Lee Ann and Dave Overman
Carol Quail
Alejandra and Abbas Noorani
Juliana Junqueira Panetta and Roman Panetta
Angelo Radano
Carol and Steve Nulsen
Larry Paster
Karen Rasmussen
The O’Briens
Abhilash and Prash Patangay
Ajay Gupta and Jyothsna Rayadurg, M.D.
Sara and Eric Olsen
Mary Jean Pearson
William Reiling
Off-site Training Boosts Knowledge Transfer
From Kyiv to Seattle…
In the spring of 2012, Dr. Andrii Maximenko from our partner site
Ukrainian Children’s Cardiac Center (UCCC) spent six weeks at Seattle
Children’s Hospital for off-site observational training in interventional
cardiology. The visit’s objectives were to learn about cath lab workflow,
acquire training in different interventional treatment procedures, and be
exposed to an academic institution’s training processes and procedures.
In addition to his time at the hospital, Dr. Maximenko also had the
opportunity to attend two cardiology conferences in the United States:
the annual Pediatric and Adult Interventional Cardiac Symposium in
Chicago and The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions annual meeting in Las Vegas. This visit was
part of Children’s HeartLink’s continued effort to advance UCCC’s standing as a regional center of excellence and become
Children’s HeartLink’s next Global Partner in Pediatric Cardiac Care and Training.
After the training visit Dr. Maximenko said, “I have acquired a big amount of new information because it was my first
visit to a foreign hospital. Most useful I found an opportunity to see the teamwork and the way of cooperation between
departments and specialists. Also an important learning to obtain was about organization of teaching process for staff and
young specialists. I am planning to change educational process for young specialists in our clinic. I will try to reorganize
the work of some departments (outpatient unit) and will implement new methods of interventional treatment of CHD, like
PDA and RVOT stenting, VSD closure and pulmonary valve implantation that I have had an opportunity to observe. I want
to express great thanks to you and to all your friends who help me to visit Seattle Children’s Hospital.”
… And From Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore
Nguyen Thi Bach Le and Tran Thi Hoang Tram, two pediatric cardiac
intensive care nurses from our partner site Nhi Dong 1 (Children’s
Hospital 1) in Ho Chi Minh City, spent several weeks in observational
training at National University Hospital in Singapore in November
2011. The training visit was part of Children’s HeartLink’s ongoing
commitment to the development of skilled and empowered nursing
staff at Nhi Dong 1. Among the specific clinical topics, this training also
focused on topics such as team communication using the SBAR (Situation,
Background, Assessment, Recommendation) technique, shift handover between nurses, preparation and receiving patients
in the ICU, the role of the nurse in supporting the patient’s family and learning about resources available for family
education. After the training, the two nurses were able to recommend and implement changes in protocols and processes at
Nhi Dong 1’s cardiac ICU.
Two young patients play together at Nhi Dong 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Molly Joseph
Molly Wright Reppenhagen and
Chloe Reppenhagen
Virginia Rine
Meryl Baker and Harris Rittenberg, M.D.
Karin Robeck, R.N.
Richard and Sylvia Rog
Mike and Shari Rogalski
AnneMarie McNamara Rogers and
J. Brittan Rogers, M.D.
Hokan Rosen
Richard Rosenberg and Mickey O’Kane
Kenneth L. and Lorraine A. Roufs
William A. and Mary Jo Rusinak
Annamarie and Paul Saarinen
Ritu Sachdeva, M.D.
Chrissy Sager
Sunipa Saha
Frances Sarnacki
James Scarborough
Lisa and Jay Schlosser
Jessica Smith-Schuh and Brandon Schuh
Frances Schwartz
Sue and Tom Schway
Joan and Richard Scott
20
Ross Shaich
Mary Ann and Martin Tich
Kathy and Allan Share
Tom Trutna
Selma Sherter
Jeanette and Michael Tsakistos
Norman Silverman, M.D.
Jon Turner
Pam and Rod Simons
Mike Ushay, M.D.
Shanthi Sivanandam, M.D.
Kristen and Arnold Vandervalk
Shaun Stout and Glenn Smith
Karen and Robert Vanney
Marjorie and Myron Smith
Candice and John D. Varco
Julie Larson Smithson and Michael Smithson
Anita Wattier, R.N.
Jennifer Spies
Jennifer and Bradley Weaver
Corinne and Timothy Sterling
Mark Weaver
Patsy Stinchfield, P.N.P.
Theresa Weidenbacher, R.N.
Lawrence E. Stirtz
Jocelyn D. Tobin and Stuart D. Weissman
Anita Stoltenberg
Sue Westphal
Steve Struthers
Carol Wilcox
Merle Sykora
Christine Honaas and Craig Wildfang
Mary and Richard Tacheny
Alex and Marguerite P. Wilson
Linda and Darrell Tamosuinas
Lori Windschitl
Renee Tasaka
Debra Winterton
Meryl and Rabbi Harvey M. Tattelbaum
Randi Winston and Barry Wolfish
Judith Taylor
Teddy and Laura Wong
Charles Thiele
Jason Yeung
Michelle Thompson
Paulina and Glen Zibley
Karen and Daniel Tich
In-kind donors
The ComedySportz Improv Theater
Izzy’s Ice Cream Café
The Companion Group
J.J. Taylor
Complete Beverage Service
Tom James
3M
CRAVE
Jerry’s Foods
50th Street Café
Cuisinart
Jessica Barker Photography
A Sure Bet
Custom Christmas Lighting
Joachim Ltd.
Acme Comedy Company
The Dakota Jazz Club
Joe’s Garage
Adele’s Custard
Dancers Studio
Joia All Natural Soda
Al Vento
Theresa and Richard Davis
Kafe 421
Allianz Life Insurance Company
of North America
Day Distributing
Kane’s Catering
De’Longhi America, Inc.
Katie Murphy Stationery
Delta Air Lines
Kemps
The Depot Minneapolis
Lafayette Club
Deulcet Cuisine
Lake Calhoun Sailing School
Di Mato Norante
Lakeville Brunswick Bowl
Dino’s
Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine
Edgecraft Corporation
Lili Salon Spa
John F. Eisberg and Susan Kline
The Links at NorthFork
Famous Dave’s
Lions Tap
Fat Lorenzo’s
The Local
FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar
Long Shadow Vintners
Fishbowl Solutions
The Lowbrow
Kieran Folliard
Raghavan Iyer
Food Works, Inc.
Manhattan Toy, LLC.
ForePaugh’s Restaurant
Mathol Racing
Doris Fortino
Maverick Industries
Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Fred Mayerson
Shane Fox
McCormick’s & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant
Frankies Spuntino
McCoy’s Public House
GameDay Experience
Kathleen and Emmett McMahon
Gandi Mahal
Media Loft
Gardens of Salonica
Metrokane
Gartner Studios
Meyer Corporation
General Mills
Mezzetta
Gold Nugget Tavern
Microplane
Golden Valley Golf and Country Club
MillerCoors Brewing
Golf Club Hospital
Minnesota Gophers
Great River Energy
Minnesota Monthly
GreenPan
Minnesota Orchestra
Hammer Made
Minnesota Pro Paintball
The Harvard Common Press
Minnesota Public Radio
Hell’s Kitchen
Minnesota State Fair
Hilton Minneapolis
Minnesota Symphony
Ichiban Japanese Steak House
Minnesota Timberwolves
Raghavan Iyer
Minnesota Twins Baseball Club
Amy Zaroff Events + Design
Amy’s Breads
Angry Cat Fish
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
Robin Asbell
Auction Harmony
Axel’s Bonfire
Bayview Event Center
BDM Agency
Ben & Jerry’s
Big Ink
Black Sheep Pizza
Blendtec
The Blue Door Pub
Blue Plate Restaurant Company
Bogart Loves, LLC
Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre
Breadsmith
Bruegger’s
Buena Vista Ski Area
Burl Oaks Golf Club
Café Latte
Café Maude
Callaway Golf Company
Canary Grey Photography
Cannon River Winery
Chanhassen Dinner Theater
Children’s Theatre Company
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Christos Greek Restaurant
Chronicle Books
Classics By David
Cocoa & Fig
Janice Cole
21
Minnesota Vikings
Alan Strang
Minnesota Wild
Summit Brewing Company
Minnetonka Moccasin
Sun Country Airlines
Paulette Mitchell
Sundara Inn & Spa
Moksha Yoga Minneapolis
Sunset’s
MyTalk107.1 FM
Surly Brewing Company
Natedogs
Talenti
National Karate
Talisman Design
New Horizon Academy
Tangletown Gardens
Old Dutch
Taste Bud Tarte
One Dish at a Time
Timbercreek Golf
Opportunity Knocks
Toro
Padilla Speer Beardsley
Toshiba
Pairings Food and Wine Market
TPC Twin Cities
Paustis Wine Company
Trudeau Corporation
The Pedal Pub
TruFabrications
Peoples Organic Coffee and Wine Café
Twillow Bakery
Periscope
Unleash Your Inner Foodie
Pernod Ricard
U.S. Bank
Peter’s Grill
U.S. Bank FlexPerks Visa
Phaidon Publishing
Vincent - A Restaurant
Mike Phillips
Vino in the Valley
Phoetic Images Photography
VISA
Pizzeria Lola
Vita-Mix
Progressive
Michelle Wagner
Rice Paper Restaurant
Warehouse Winery
Rudolph’s
Warners’ Stellian
Sagaform Inc.
Watermark Stationery
SarahBeth Photography
Andrew Weber
Sarabeth’s Kitchen
Well Traveled Imports
Sauces ‘N Love
Westin Minneapolis
Scandinavian Child
Wild Mountain and Taylor Falls Recreation
Sea Change
Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge
Seven
Workman Publishing
Shapco
Zelo
Skin Rejuvenation Clinic
Andrew Zimmern
Solo Vino
Zinnia Design Florals
Spill the Wine
Zoe Bakes
The Splendid Table
Spoonriver
Spruce Flowers and Home
St. Jude Medical, Inc.
St. Paul Saints
Stages Theatre
Star Tribune
22
In honor of
All my patients born with heart disease
Ritu Sachdeva, M.D.
Katie Benson
Derek Lavalier
Allison Cabalka, M.D.
Myron J. Smith
Jeremy Chase
Jason Yeung
Dr. Jonathan Chen
Madeline Fox
Joanne Hoffer and Lee Tawil
Children’s HeartLink Staff
Olivia Mastry
Barb Simonson
Dr. Joe and Mrs. Ann Dearani
Jeff and Marnie Bigler
Matan Dragon’s Bar Mitzvah
Beth P. Carver-Kannel
The Eis Foundation
Emily R. Fialky and The Fialky Family
Bill and Susan Weiss Firestone
Joan Rosenbaum and Seymour Frankel
Cynthia Gensheimer
Scott and Tiffany Levy Greene
Bea and Frank Hano
Meryl Baker and Harris Rittenberg, M.D.
Selma and Sidney Sherter
Rabbi Harvey M. and Meryl Tattelbaum
Jocelyn D. Tobin and Stuart D. Weissman
Autumn Hokulani Ginn
Howard H. Ginn
Tanya and Jon Turner
Sam and Isaac Gittleman
Mark Gittleman
Karin Haas
Kathy Bjerke and James Haas
Elizabeth Heyer
Stephanie L. and William T. Heyer
Peggy and Carissa Johnson
Caroline Jackson
Meiniu Lu
Zhaohui Lu
Pratyay Manepalli
Rajeswari Manepalli
Rich and Fran Moyer’s 60th Anniversary
Bruce Moyer, C.C.P.
Dr. D. Shawn Pierson, Princeton-Nassau
Pediatrics
Jack Greenberg
Radano Family and Friends
Angela Radano
James Rice
Frances Sarnacki
Richard Rocco, Esq., and
Joseph Rocco, Esq.
Larry Paster
Anna Rose, Granddaughter of Rosalie and
Jeffrey Meropol
Bette Ann and Richard Bloom
Sam Struthers
Steve Struthers
Pratik Sundaresan
Stacy Nitz
Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney
Elizabeth and Eric Jensen
Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney’s Birthday
Sally K. Bye
Mike and Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney
Sally K. Bye
Heather Varco’s Birthday
Candice and John D. Varco
In memory of
James A. “Scott” Abbey
Peter Beniares
Kit Arom
Sylvia and Richard Rog
Lorayne Bachman
Kathleen and Gim Middleton
William W. Benson
Mary A. and Robert A. Kovell
Ray Bentdahl
Shirley Bentdahl
Melba W. Bessinger
Ardelle Nicoloff
Leonard Borgstrom and the Dr. Demetre
Nicoloff Memorial Fund
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Minnesota
Theresa Bouliane
Joan and Richard Scott
Ian P. Campbell
Mary Ann Campbell
Nadja Carr
Cheryl and Jeff Cowan
Maureen Crooker
Judith and Martin Hansen
George, Richard and John Daenzer
Jean Aiken
Gary DeCramer
Katina and Franck Gougeon
Andrea Kaufman and Jim Jacobson
Anthony Demos
Besse Maragos
Benjamin Michael Dercks
Judith Taylor
Laura Driskill
Lewis Driskill
Bertha Froh
Joan Froh
Children’s HeartLink and Two Partner
Sites Bring CHD Parents Together in India
In conjunction with
our partners Amrita
Institute for Medical
Sciences (AIMS) in
Kochi and Narayana
Hrudayalaya Hospital
in Bangalore, Children’s
HeartLink is supporting
the development of
Parent Advocacy and
Support Groups (PASG)
for families of children
with congenital heart
defects (CHD).
A PASG is a support group formed by people facing similar health
problems and is especially helpful for those needing long-term care like
patients with CHD. Medical professionals are highly trained to deal
with the medical issues associated with such events, but they typically
do not have the time to provide the emotional support that these
families and caregivers also need. This is where a PASG helps. By
connecting and speaking with a parent volunteer whose family has
survived a similar difficult situation, other parents have the support
to work through overwhelming emotions and focus on the important
medical decisions at hand.
The first PASG focus group meeting occurred in June 2012 at AIMS,
and the parents recounted personal stories, sharing their fears and
anxieties in dealing with their children’s illnesses. One parent relayed
how difficult it was to go from doctor to doctor and hear differing
opinions on what care his daughter needed. Another parent deferred
treatment of his child’s rather complicated cardiac problem because the
local doctor told him, “If it was my son, I would not do any intervention.”
A grandfather told everyone about his granddaughter’s CHD, a different
type than her mother’s, and how he had a tough time convincing his
daughters-in-law that it was not hereditary. He recounted how tough it
was to arrange for his daughter’s marriage due to her surgical scar and
the bias present in the society that all CHDs were hereditary/genetic.
At the end of the June meeting, all participants at AIMS expressed
strong interest in forming a PASG and working to help other parents
like them. Children’s HeartLink has continued to assist them while
they create a more formal structure for the group, aptly titled Blissful
Little Hearts. In the coming year, Children’s HeartLink will work with
Narayana Hrudayalaya staff to foster a similar parent group.
Jim Fuller’s 90th Birthday
Candice and John D. Varco
Jeanne Laurence
Alexandra and Irwin Jacobs
Donald C. Giesen
Deborah Giesen
Margaret
Elise and Marie Doemer
Stephanie M. Giesen
Deborah Giesen
Pinky McNamara
AnnMarie McNamara Rogers and
J. Brittan Rogers, M.D.
Madelyn Ihlan
Ardelle Nicoloff
Bruce Johnson, M.D.
Dorothy and Larry Hamm
Judith and James Hibma
Jean Launspach, M.D., and Tony Plucinski, M.D.
Frances Schwartz
Elena G. Karalis
Marina and John Antoniou
Beth Maragos
Daughter of Rachelle and Steven Katz
Judith and Burt Isaacs
Dr. Charles Kleinman
Norman Silverman, M.D.
Dr. Demetre Nicoloff Memorial Fund
Bonnie and F. Blanton Bessinger, Jr., M.D.
Jeffrey and Allison Cabalka, M.D.
Marjorie and Brooks Edwards
Paulette D. Engelby, R.N.
Alyssa and Jon Hammar
Sharalyn K. and Bruce S. Johnson
Ardelle Nicoloff
Alexander Nicoloff and Leslie Otto
Virginia Rine
Paul and Maria Rog
Sylvia and Richarch Rog
Tankenoff Families Foundation
Nancy and Wayne Vander Vort
Anna Rose, Granddaughter of
Rosalie and Jeffrey Meropol
Bette Ann and Richard Bloom
Samuel Louis Peguero
SUNY Geneseo Women’s Leadership Institute
Antonis Petrellis
Marina and John Antoniou
Evelyn Risch
Ardelle Nicoloff
Harley Risch
Ardelle Nicoloff
Marlys Senota
Karen L. Bessler, R.N.
Spiro Sperides
Besse Maragos
Cavan Varco
Candice and John D. Varco
Robert A. Wiessner
Mary B. Makredes
Visionary Circle
The Children’s HeartLink Visionary Circle recognizes the most generous investors in our mission to save lives and heal
hearts around the globe. Members of the Visionary Circle are individuals who contribute $10,000 or more and corporations,
foundations and organizations that contribute $25,000 or more in a given year. Thank you for your support!
Individuals
Darrel R. Alkire
Deb and David Andreas
Theresa and Richard Davis
Katina and Franck Gougeon
Marie and Ron Kalich
Molly Joseph and Andrew Olson
Michael Rimland
Mike and Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney
Corporations, foundations
and organizations
Boston Scientific
Deloitte
Edwards Lifesciences
Holiday Companies
The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation
Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Medtronic Foundation
Minnesota Vikings
St. Jude Medical Foundation
The Tarsadia Foundation
U.S. Bank
24
A young patient sits on her bed at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, a Children’s HeartLink partner site in Chandigarh, India.
Photo: Suzanne Cota
In India, less than 5 percent of babies born with
critical CHD actually undergo cardiac surgery or
any other form of intervention.2
2
Saxena, 2009, “Congenital cardiac surgery in the less privileged regions of the world.”
Medical volunteers
Mahesh Ramamurthy Babu, M.D.
Marie Fewtrell, R.N.
Sophie Jones, R.N.
National University Hospital
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Barbara Bor, R.N., C.I.C.
Pat Flynn, M.D.
Thomas Jones, M.D.
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center
St. Paul, MN, United States
New York, NY, United States
Seattle, WA, United States
Cindy Brownlee, R.N.
Lorry R. Frankel, M.D.
Justine Kidd, R.N.
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Seattle, WA, United States
San Francisco, CA, United States
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Jonathan Chen, M.D.
Chin Lay Gee, C.C.P.
Jillian Kirkpatrick, R.N.
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of
New York-Presbyterian
Gleneagles Hospital
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of
New York-Presbyterian
Singapore, Singapore
New York, NY, United States
New York, NY, United States
Fraser Golding, M.D.
Lynn Chernick, M.N., R.N.
The Hospital for Sick Children
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Toronto, ON, Canada
Seattle, WA, United States
Jeanette Guimond, R.N.
Suzanne Cota, P.N.P.
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of
New York-Presbyterian
New York, NY, United States
Peter Cox, M.D.
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, ON, Canada
Joseph A. Dearani, M.D.
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN, United States
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, ON, Canada
Cindy Hacker, R.R.T.
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Peter Hesslein, M.D.
Swedish Pediatric Specialty Care
Seattle, WA, United States
Dan Hogan, R.N.
Stephen C. Kurachek, M.D.
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care
Specialists, P.A.
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Mark Lewin, M.D.
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Seattle, WA, United States
Jason Macartney, R.R.T.
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, ON, Canada
Gina Martin, R.N.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford
Palo Alto, CA, United States
Neil Derechin, M.D.
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of
New York-Presbyterian
Susanne Matthews, R.N.
Associated Anesthesiologists
New York, NY, United States
Seattle Children’s Hospital
St. Paul, MN, United States
Seattle, WA, United States
Cecilia Hyslop, R.N.
Sitaram Emani, M.D.
The Hospital for Sick Children
Gretchen McGuire, R.N.
Children’s Hospital Boston
Toronto, ON, Canada
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Boston, MA, United States
26
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Dennis Mills, C.C.P.
Pam Sagan, R.N.
Sandra Staveski, R.N., P.N.P.
Aurora Medical
(retired)
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford
Chanhassen, MN, United States
Los Altos Hills, CA, United States
Palo Alto, CA, United States
Kris Nielsen, C.C.P.
Raj Sarpal, M.D.
Marie Steiner, M.D.
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Thomas Orr, C.C.P.
Lauren Scavuzzo, R.N.
Patsy Stinchfield, P.N.P.
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of
New York-Presbyterian
The Hospital for Sick Children
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Toronto, ON, Canada
Minneapolis, MN, United States
New York, NY, United States
Steve Schwartz, M.D.
Mary Tan, R.N.
David Overman, M.D.
The Hospital for Sick Children
National University Hospital
Children’s Heart Clinic
Toronto, ON, Canada
Singapore, Singapore
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Sriram Shankar, M.D.
Guat Ling Teo, R.N.
Paul Paulisich, R.N.
Gleneagles Hospital
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Mary Shen, R.R.T.
Alejandro Torres, M.D.
Jeff Paurus, R.N.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Palo Alto, CA, United States
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of
New York-Presbyterian
Minneapolis, MN, United States
New York, NY, United States
Shanthi Sivanandam, M.D.
Lee Pyles, M.D.
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Michael Ushay, M.D.
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Children’s Hospital of Montefiore
Minneapolis, MN, United States
New York, NY, United States
Ralph Slepian, M.D.
Sushma Reddy, M.D.
Glen Van Arsdell, M.D.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of
New York-Presbyterian
Palo Alto, CA, United States
New York, NY, United States
Toronto, ON, Canada
Fiona Reynolds, M.D.
Arif Somani, M.D.
Grace Walker, R.N.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Karin Robeck, R.N.
Anne Spedding, R.N.
Keng Yean Wong, M.D.
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Palo Alto, CA, United States
Singapore, Singapore
Molly Ruddy, R.N.
James St. Louis, M.D.
Seattle Children’s Hospital
University of MN Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Seattle, WA, United States
Minneapolis, MN, United States
The Hospital for Sick Children
27
Karin Robeck, R.N., pediatric cardiac ICU nurse with the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital, looks after a patient at the
First Hospital of Lanzhou University (FHLU) in Lanzhou, China. Photo: Tian Xi
Organizational volunteers
Children’s HeartLink relies on a network of volunteers for support with our organization’s programs, outreach, event
logistics and other activities. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their tireless efforts and inspiring
dedication. Thank you, everyone.
Michael Amaefula
Jackie Brand
Laura Durden
Grace Anderson
Maria Bruun
Kara Elmquist
Rob Anderson
Claire Carlson
Mike Fuller
Carol Arenson
Theiren Coackran
Susan Gebelein, M.S.
Kacie Arenson
Clare O’Donnell Coldren
Paloma Giossi
Tom Bach
Jake Coldren
Franck Gougeon
John Barr
Jeff Cotton
Joe Groom
Quinn Bauducco
Lina Dajani
Rachel Gunsalus
Peter Beniares
Valerie Daniels
Jim Haas
Erin Betlock
Richard Davis
Karin Haas
Sarah Birkholz
Theresa Davis
Jenny Halek
Susan Bordson
Kim Deutsch
Claire Halleland
Debbie Bougie
Lizzy DeVita
Ernie Heifort
Sarah Bougie
Greta Drentlaw
Rosie Heinert
28
Brian Herstig
Kunal Mehta
Stephanie Stodieck
Daniel Higgins
Britt Molde
Michelle Stone-Light
Ingrid Ho
AdautoMourao
Ying Suo
Elizabeth Holmes
Marie Mourao
Mike Sweeney
Jacqueline Holmes
Emily Najjar
Amanda Symes
Stan Hubbard
Katie Najjar
Tina Tavera
Greta Hughes
Andrew Nelson
Shelby Taylor
Kim Insley
Sharon Nelson
Lindsay Tsakistos
Shruti Jagannathan
Susan Nelson
Brian (BT) Turner
Gretchen Jelinek
Essa Nerenhausen
Melissa Voyles Molitor
Belinda Jensen
Morgan Newman
Michelle Wagner
Anthea Johnson
Quan Ni
Samuel Weisdorf
Marjorie Johnson
Eric Olsen
Cailin Wertish
Peggy Johnson
Yasuko Otogawa
Tom Wertish
Gina Jung
Juliana Panetta
John Wilgers
Shauna Kane
Kristin Peters
Barb Williams
Salma Khan
Molly Platisha
Bonnie Kindt
Mike Pomeranz
Todd Koehler
Ariyana Randolph
Shelly Koland
Rebekah Raymond
Stephanie Kolstad
Apoorva Reddy
Tracy Kolstad
James Rice, Ph.D.
Aiden Kristoffe-Jones
Gordon Ritz, Jr.
Taylor Kristoffe-Jones
Hokan Rosen
Dave LaCoursiere
Mark Rosen
Henry Lake
Colleen Ruane
Kelly Langums
Jennifer Rus
Leila Larson
Lorraine Schleicher
Tom Lewis
Maija Schmelzer
Jeff Light
Barb Schuh
Kelly Linnihan
Brandon Schuh
Hank Long
Dominic Schultz
Susan Long
Rachel Servais
Emerald Lu
Allan Share
Stephanie Lund
Charles Shaw
Kathy Manley
Melanie Sherman
Besse Maragos
Max Shortell
Katie Martinson
Kelly Showalter
Jephte Matilus
Marie Smith
DeeAnn McArdle
Mary Solberg
Cristin McCormick
Jennifer Spies
Rekha McGuire
Mary Stanislawski
Emmanuelle Mehta
Dan Starks
29
International Advisory
Board members
Now in its second year, the Children’s HeartLink International Advisory Board (IAB) consists of experts in
health care, public affairs and international development, who provide Children’s HeartLink with expertise and
consultation in areas such as strategic planning, capacity building, international relations and medical diplomacy.
Secretary Tommy G. Thompson, Co-Chair
Former Secretary of Health and Human Services and four-term Governor of Wisconsin, Tommy Thompson is
a partner at the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.
Senator Thomas Daschle, Co-Chair
Former U.S. House of Representatives member and U.S. Senator from South Dakota, Senator Daschle
became the only individual to serve twice as both Senate Majority and Minority Leader. Currently, Senator
Daschle is a Senior Policy Advisor to the law firm of DLA Piper.
J. Brian Atwood
Brian Atwood is the Chair of the Development Assistance Committee. From 2002 until 2010 he served as
Dean of the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and was Administrator
of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) from 1993 to 1999.
Aldo Castañeda, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Castañeda is the Founder of the Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Unit of Guatemala and is Professor Emeritus
of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. After receiving his training and being on the staff of the Department
of Surgery at the University of Minnesota from 1958 through 1971, Dr. Castañeda was recruited to Children’s
Hospital Boston and served for 20 years as Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief.
Dr. Castañeda received the World Heart Foundation Humanitarian Award in 2004, and in 2006, Dr. Castañeda
was inducted into the Pediatric Cardiology Hall of Fame.
30
Kathy Jenkins, M.D., M.P.H.
Dr. Jenkins is currently a Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and holds the Kobren Family
Chair for Patient Safety and Quality. She is a faculty member in the Department of Cardiology and serves as
Senior Vice President and Chief Safety and Quality Officer at Children’s Hospital Boston.
Bongani Mayosi, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Mayosi is a researcher, teacher and clinician in internal medicine and cardiology who currently serves
as the 7th Professor and Head of the Department of Medicine at the University of Cape Town and Chief
Physician at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. Mayosi has published widely in both
local and international journals and books on various topics related to cardiovascular medicine. His academic
work focuses on heart diseases of the poor, including cardiomyopathy, tuberculous pericarditis and
rheumatic fever.
Srinath Reddy, M.D.
Dr. Reddy is President of the Public Health Foundation of India. Until recently, he headed the Department of
Cardiology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Dr. Reddy has been involved in several major
international and national research studies including the INTERSALT global study of blood pressure and
electrolytes, INTERHEART global study on risk factors of myocardial infarction, and national collaborative
studies on epidemiology of coronary heart disease and community control of rheumatic heart disease. He
is Coordinator of the Initiative for Cardiovascular Health Research in the Developing Countries (IC Health), a
global partnership program that promotes research for prevention of cardiovascular diseases in developing
countries. He has served on many WHO expert panels and is President-elect of the World Heart Federation.
Richard Smith, M.D.
Dr. Smith served as Chief Executive of UnitedHealth Europe, a subsidiary of the UnitedHealth Group that
works with public health systems in Europe. He is currently Director of the UnitedHealth Chronic Disease
Initiative, a program with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute that has created 11 centers in low- and
middle-income countries that work to counter chronic disease.
Daniel B. Wright, Ph.D.
Dr. Wright served at the U.S. Treasury Department as Managing Director for China and the Strategic
Economic Dialogue (SED) where he provided strategic counsel to the Secretary of Treasury. Dr. Wright was
also formerly Senior Vice President and China practice head of the Albright Stonebridge Group, a global
strategy firm based in Washington, DC. He is Founder, President and CEO of GreenPoint Group, using his
26 years of China experience to build bridges between people, resources and public policy.
31
Cardiac training visit
Cardiac Training Visit:
West China Hospital #1 of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
In June 2012, Children’s HeartLink and a volunteer medical
team from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto visited
the West China Hospital #1 of Sichuan University (WCH) in
Chengdu, China, for a cardiac training visit. This was Children’s
HeartLink’s sixth visit in more than five years of working
together. This was also the second small team cardiac training
visit devoted to the PICU and cardiology.
The teams had several objectives they wished to accomplish:
•T
o strengthen the site’s capacity to diagnose and care post-operatively for children with complex
heart defects
•T
o monitor the recruitment and development of key program positions such as a pediatric
cardiologist and nurse educator and to support them with coaching and mentoring in their new roles
•T
o monitor and support the development of a long-distance learning partnership between WCH and
The Hospital for Sick Children
•T
o monitor and encourage the continued progress of the pediatric program and its development
toward establishing a regional center of excellence in treatment and training for southwest China
As a result of the training visit, the following were accomplished:
•A
dvanced training and education provided to local staff in the areas of cardiology, post-operative
care, and infection control and prevention
•F
ruitful discussions with the leadership of the hospital, pediatric program and medical university on
exploring the possibility of developing a pediatric cardiology training program at WCH
•C
ontinued progress towards establishing a long-distance learning partnership between WCH and
The Hospital for Sick Children
Children’s HeartLink is honored to be a part of the West China Hospital pediatric cardiac program’s
continuing development as it moves toward providing more advanced care and a training center in the
region and cementing itself as a center of excellence for southwest China.
“There are many signs of tremendous progress
over the past six years. Dr. An and the team at
West China Hospital are to be commended for
the fabulous work they have done.”
Steve Schwartz, M.D. – Pediatric Cardiac Intensivist, The Hospital for
Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Board of Directors
Founder
Joseph Kiser, M.D.
Treasurer
Ajay Gupta
Chair
Keith Halleland
Thomas L. Armitage, M.D.
Thomas Bach
Guillaume Bastiaens
Bridget Duffy, M.D.
John F. Eisberg
Gary C. Fink
John R. Finnegan, Jr., Ph.D.
Susan H. Gebelein
Franck Gougeon
Tom Jollie
Thomas A. Keller, III
Thomas J. Kigin
Vice Chairs
Molly Joseph
Keith Sherman
Medical Director
Joseph A. Dearani, M.D.
Secretary
Jim Jacobson
Besse D. Maragos
Emmett J. McMahon
Mahendra Nath
Andrew Nelson
Eric J. Olsen
David M. Overman, M.D.
James Rice, Ph.D.
Mark Rosen
Robert Rosenbaum
Mike Walsh
David P. Wicker
Directors Emeriti
David Andreas
Thomas A. Keller, III
Children’s HeartLink staff
President
Elizabeth Perlich Sweeney
Vice President of
Development and Marketing
Carrie Ellis
Finance Director
Barb Simonson
Vice President of
International Programs
Bistra Zheleva
International Programs
Manager
Andreas Tsakistos
International Programs
Analyst
Emily Dale, MPH, CHES
Marketing and
Communications Manager
Helga Radio
Office Manager and
International Programs
Associate
Carissa Johnson
Development Manager
Lisa Rothstein
In-Country India Consultant
Veeralakshmi (Veera)
Rajasekhar
Events Manager
Jessica Smith-Schuh
Development Associate
Jennifer Jacobsen Giese
International Programs
Advisor
John Cushing, Jr., MHA
33
Our financial health
Statements of Activities
Years ended June 30, 2012, and 2011
Revenue and other support
Contributions
2012
2011
Unrestricted
Temporarily
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Temporarily
Restricted
Total
$298,751
$180,030
$478,781
$367,919
$455,123
823,042
Donated goods and services
458,229
458,229
700,473
700,473
Special events revenue
(less direct benefits to donors)
898,350
(192,578)
898,350
(192,578)
786,075
(173,660)
786,075
(173,660)
Interest and other income
3,061
3,485
286,287
(286,287)
0
454,218
(454,218)
0
$1,752,100
($106,257)
$1,645,843
$2,138,510
$905
$2,139,415
1,366,297
1,366,297
1,691,897
1,691,897
Management and general
74,344
74,344
100,402
100,402
Special events and activities
71,564
71,564
96,108
96,108
188,139
188,139
201,453
201,453
1,700,344
1,700,344
2,089,860
2,089,860
Net assets released from restrictions
Total
3,061
3,485
Expense
Program expense
Other fundraising
Total
Change in net assets
34
51,756
(106,257)
54,501
48,650
905
49,555
Net assets (beginning of year)
852,069
501,301
1,353,370
803,419
500,396
1,303,815
Net assets (end of year)
903,825
395,044
1,298,869
852,069
501,301
1,353,370
A young boy smiles for the camera after undergoing treatment at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, a Children’s HeartLink
partner site in Chandigarh, India. Photo: Emily Dale
Statements of Financial Position
Years ended June 30, 2012, and 2011
2012
2011
$1,225,509
$1,325,822
Contributions and other receivables
21,523
40,308
Prepaid expenses and other assets
18,689
11,340
164,049
174,221
$1,429,770
$1,551,691
16,082
72,515
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Property and equipment, net
Total assets
Expenses by activity:
Liabilities and net assets
Accounts payable
14,819
33,306
Deferred revenue
Accrued payroll and benefit liabilities
100,000
92,500
Total liabilities
130,901
198,321
Unrestricted
903,825
852,069
Temporarily restricted
395,044
501,301
1,298,869
1,353,370
1,429,770
1,551,691
Net assets
Total net assets
Total liabilities and net assets
80% Program Expenses
15% Fundraising
5% Management
35
5075 Arcadia Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55436 USA
Telephone (888) 928-6678 | childrensheartlink.org | facebook.com/childrensheartlink | twitter.com/CHeartLink
Cover Photo: Tian Xi
Children’s HeartLink® is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Children’s HeartLink, the Children’s HeartLink logo and
Healing Hearts Worldwide are registered trademarks of Children’s HeartLink.