Callie Jenschke
DATE: 2/2003
PUBLICATION: Austin Monthly

Broken hearts must be mended.
Pediatric cardiac surgeons Kenneth Fox and Stephen Dewan do just that. Physicians at Austin's Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, the two are also board members and surgeons for HeartGift, a nonprofit organization "formed for the sole purpose of providing desperately needed heart surgery to underprivileged children around the world." Dr. Fox and Dr. John Oswalt established HeartGift in 2000.

Around the world, hundreds of children are born every day with life-threatening heart conditions. Unlike children in the United States, a great number of children born outside the country are unable to receive the necessary treatment to ensure a long and healthy life. This condition can lead to severely handicapped lives or even death. "It is pretty cool to be able to save a child's life," says Dr. Fox. "With these children, we seem to have a closer bond with them on a whole different level."

In the last year, HeartGift has helped four children from Honduras, Nicaragua and the Gaza Strip, Through the aid of missionary-based programs and relief agencies, HeartGift is able to identify children with problems that only require one operation to ensure a normal life. "We are trying to spread HeartGift's resources out to insure the greatest amount of success for the kids throughout their life," says Dr. Fox.

Performing pediatric heart surgery is a team effort. Dr. Fox and Dr. Dewan work hand in hand with intensivists, anesthesiologists, nurses and respiratory technicians. The collaborative endeavor to save one life averages $30,000. This price illustrates a considerable discount by the hospital as well as the attending and consulting physicians. "We do one good thing and it inspires others," says Dr. Fox.

With the help and support from community organizations, corporations, foundations, private individuals and volunteers, HeartGift is able to provide these services to the family at no cost. "Our community is what sets HeartGift apart from other programs like this around the United States," he says. "This entire community is involved in taking care of these kids." To donate, volunteer or become a host family call HeartGift at 512.894.3985.