HONORING OUR HEART HEROES
Dr. Erin Bass, Board President of Heart Heroes Inc. Dr. Bass was recently appointed as board president for Heart Heroes. This role is highly personal for Bass, whose son was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) that required open-heart surgery at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center when he was just four weeks old. “While we were in the hospital, we received a care package from an organization called Heart Heroes,” said Bass. “I hadn’t heard of the organization before and had no idea what a role they would play in my life and my son’s life in the weeks, months, and years to come.” Bass later reached out to Heart Heroes and involved them in the MBA Capstone Course, in which students completed a pro bono consulting project. When the Executive Director of Heart Heroes asked Bass how they could continue working together, Bass began serving on the board and ultimately became board president. “As board president, my role is to support the organization and ensure we are doing everything to impact as many families and individuals affected by CHD as we can. The board oversees and monitors Heart Heroes’ strategy and operations. We meet as a full board every quarter, and have board committees that meet quarterly,” said Bass. “We also attend Heart Heroes’ events, raise funds for Heart Heroes’ programming, and spread awareness about CHD. Many people don’t realize that CHD is the #1 birth defect, impacting one of every 100 children.” In her role as president, Bass assists Heart Heroes in their work with Children’s Hospital to provide support to families whose children are receiving cardiac care. This support ranges from Superhero Capes, helping children – the true Heart Heroes – feel brave during their procedures, to meals for families and activities to keep the Heart Heroes occupied during hospital stays. Heart Heroes also partners with UNMC to fund CHD-related research. During COVID-19, Heart Heroes created virtual support groups and response and recovery kits for CHD families here in Nebraska. “I’m humbled that I get to be a part of this organization and help it impact the many Nebraska children and families affected by CHD,” said Bass.
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UNO BUSINESS
