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Brave Heart Fund |
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Co-Founders
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Mrs. Joumana Ghandour Atallah
Dr. Fadi Bitar
Mrs. Riham Kosta Serhan |
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Members
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Mrs. Dina Shammaa Arnaout
Mrs. Sana Beydoun
Mrs. Joanna Kassem Debbas
Mrs. Rana Sawaf Farra
Mrs. Zeina Kassar Kassem
Mrs. Hania Ousseiran Al-Khalil
Mrs. Hana Alireza Kobeissy
Mrs. Raya Mroue Kombargi
Ms. Lama El-Kouche
Mrs. Nancy Nazzal Lattouf
Mrs. Dina Rida Mrowa
Mrs. Stephanie Moghabghab Rizk
Ms. Rana Yahya
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The Brave Heart Fund (BHF) was established at the Children’s Heart Center at the AUB Medical Center (AUBMC) to help cover the cost of surgeries and hospitalization for needy children suffering from Congenital Heart Disease.
The fund, which is run entirely by volunteers, reached a significant milestone this year when it crossed the $2 million threshold for the amount of money it has raised since it was established in 2003. During the past five years, the fund has helped cover the surgical expenses for 490 children and currently covers the cost of three surgeries per week at the Children’s Heart Center.
The Brave Heart Fund also campaigns to raise awareness about heart disease in children to encourage early detection.
At the BLOM Beirut Marathon 2007, the BHF participated as an official NGO partner for the fourth year in a row, recruiting more than 1,000 people to take part in the race wearing BHF T-shirts. They raised more than $43,000.
In early 2008, the BHF launched an extensive media campaign in the local English, French and Arabic press, as well as on billboards and posters, which raised more than $100,000 for the cause. The BHF also introduced a School Outreach Program at 11 schools in Lebanon spreading awareness both about heart disease and health in general to 2,500 children and encouraging them to get involved in community service projects. The campaign continued through March and April, with a theater performance of “Hadara” at Masrah Al Madinah, and a premiere screening of the film “21”, as well as a TV appearance on Zaven Kouyoumjian’s talk show “Sire Wenfatahit” on April 7th. A short animated film about Congenital Heart Disease and the BHF was screened at schools and various events throughout the year and at a press conference and party organized at Gruen Eatery in March. At the event in March, Lebanese designers Maria Arida and Roula Ali Ahmed displayed unique fashion items to be sold for the benefit of the Brave Heart Fund. In addition, Lebanese filmmaker and actress Nadine Labaki was introduced as the Brave Heart Fund’s goodwill ambassador. | |
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