When a child undergoes a successful heart transplant, the natural thought is that it’s the happy ending to a fearful journey. More surgery lies ahead, however, as the average transplant lasts only 12 years.
Marietta nonprofit Enduring Hearts seeks to extend that timeline by funding research that will ultimately result in a single surgery as the cure for pediatric congenital heart disease.
Since the organization started in 2013, Enduring Hearts has dedicated $4 million to 27 research studies, said Ankur Chatterjee, board president and former executive director.
“It’s been pure grit and asking people a lot smarter than us to help us figure out how to make this grow,” he said.
Chatterjee’s friends, Patrick and Madelyn Gahan, co-founded the nonprofit one year after their then-3-year-old daughter, Mya, needed a heart transplant. Though her surgery went well, the Gahans learned that, under the best of circumstances, Mya would require another procedure at about the age of 15.
“Our mission is to educate people to know that the heart transplant is not the cure but a bridge to life,” said Carolyn Salvador, current executive director.
On Feb. 15, Enduring Hearts will host its signature event, the Bourbon Gala and Auction, at The Stave Room. The charity hopes to raise $350,000 for research studies. The 2018 gala proceeds totaled $250,000, Salvador said.
Eleven premium bourbons, craft cocktails and wine, as well as a full-course dinner will be served at the black-tie optional event. Celebrity guests will attend and Atlanta singer-songwriter Alex Guthrie is scheduled to perform.
“All the money raised goes to pediatric heart transplant research,” confirmed Salvador. “We do see progress. Research takes a longtime.”
Chatterjee, a former enterprise software salesman, somewhat coincidentally, wanted to be a cardiologist as a child.
“I realized that I didn’t have the wherewithal to become a doctor,” he said.
In reflecting on his career change from computer software sales, Chatterjee said meeting families and children, who did not survive congenital heart disease, has had an impact. “I was ready to apply my energy to something to make a difference,” he said.
Enduring Hearts Bourbon Gala and Auction. 7-11 p.m. (6 p.m. VIP access) Feb. 15. Single Tickets, $300; Two for $500. The Stave Room, 199 Armour Drive, Atlanta. enduringhearts.org; ehbourbongala.org
Each Sunday, we write about charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event or a deserving person for us to cover, email us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
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