San Antonio
Chapter: San Antonio
Liana
Liana received her HeartGift to repair her Atrial Septal Defect! Surgery went really well and by mid-afternoon Liana was resting in the Pediatric ICU. A huge thank you to surgeons Dr. Husain and Dr. Kane, cardiologist Dr. Maldonado, and the amazing team of physicians and medical professionals at The Children's Hospital of San Antonio for their skill and care in repairing Liana's heart.
During surgery Liana's father, was joined by host parents Maria and Michael Smith, and two volunteers. We are also thrilled that Nancy and Lou Scantland, Liana's Angels, were able to observe today's surgery. It truly has been a comfort to be together during a difficult day.
Rigan
Rigan is HeartGift San Antonio's 25th patient. Rigan traveled from Uganda with his mother, Abia, and their translator, Jean. They were graciously welcomed by their host family, Dolores and Dale Hancock. Rigan is the 5th child that the Hancock's have hosted so we know he is in wonderful hands. Thanks to the generosity of the Greehey Family Foundation, Rigan had a successful surgery to repair a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Thank you to Dr. Husain, Dr. Calhoon, Dr. Maldonado, Dr. Rasch and the amazing team of physicians at The Children's Hospital of San Antonio for their skill and care in repairing Rigan's heart. Also, a big thank you to the Hancock Family and the countless HeartGift volunteers.
HeartGift Heroes Golf Tournament
Join us for the HeartGift Heroes Golf Tournament on May 10, 2013 at the Dominion Country Club! This year's tournament will be a Ryder Cup format using match play to determine the winning team. The two teams will be cheered on by celebrity captains, Larry Coker, UTSA Head Football Coach and Bjorn Dybdahl, Bjorn's Audio Visual.
The winning team will not only claim the first trophy, but will serve as the ''Angel'' of a lifesaving heart surgery of Nestor, a child from Honduras who arrives in June 2013.
Teams will be selected by our tournament committee prior to tee time. Each team will field two-man teams on a best ball format. As in years prior, mulligans will be available for purchase. Remember...mulligans help save lives!
The final rules will be presented at the time of play by the golf staff of the Dominion Country Club. Our tournament will follow with drinks and eats and the presentation of the HeartGift Heroes Cup to the Celebrity Captain and his winning team.
Now hit the course and brush up your game to be prepared for a new skills challenge and a hole-in-one contest!
For more information and to sign up, please visit: http://www.heartgift.org/events/heartgift-heroes-golf-tournament
Big Welcome to our new Development Associate, Kelly Bonnallie!
On March 18 Kelly Bonnallie will join HeartGift San Antonio as the chapter's new Development Associate.
Trained as an educator, Kelly has spent time in the classroom as an elementary school teacher. Some of her favorite projects have been when she worked as a volunteer with area nonprofit organizations creating innovative art education programs for students throughout San Antonio, including the San Antonio Children's Museum. Kelly originally came in contact with HeartGift when her friends, Aliza and Willie Cantu, hosted Zihao from China. As Kelly expressed to me when we offered her this position, "I witnessed the "gift" this organization provides when friends of ours hosted a child. Now that I am part of this organization, I am excited and deeply honored. I feel like the lucky one." I believe that Kelly brings a passion, many friends and wonderful new ideas to our chapter.
Kelly and her husband Scott have lived in San Antonio for the past five years. They have two children Madeleine (13) and Brooks (11).
We are excited Kelly is joining the staff of HeartGift San Antonio. Please join us in welcoming her to our special family!
