The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IN THE midst of holiday fun, cheer and celebration a local charity is asking people to remember to give the gift of life by making a donation.

The Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation a non-profit organisation that helps repair the hearts of children encourages Bahamians to bask in the spirit of the season - giving.

The foundation relies heavily on the generosity of others to save lives. It has over the years provided financial support to over 4,000 persons in need of a new heart. The Foundation needs the support of the general public to continue carrying out its duties.

“Over the past three years, the Heart Foundation has faced financial challenges due to the hard economic times, the rising cost of heart care and the increase in the number of patients needing medical care. The financial report for the year ending June 30, 2012 showed the Heart Foundation operating at a loss of $187,035. In an effort to give hope to a family whose child will need urgent heart care, but cannot afford it, we are asking people to please join the fight for every heartbeat,” said Ingrid Sears public relations officer for the Heart Foundation.

The number of patients the Heart Foundation is assisting has increased over the years, she said.

“Financially there is a need and there is a shortage in funds. Not only that, the money helps to save a child’s life because without heart care those babies would die. It also helps to give hope and relief to a family who is worried about their child who is ill because if you are dealing with a child with limited funds it is unfortunate. The donations go a long way and it helps to wave some of the cost of the surgery.

“We want people to remember us during this time. Someone’s gift can make a miracle happen for a child.

Saving a Tiny Life

The Heart Foundation recently assisted four month-old Jameil Bridgewater with a life-saving heart procedure back in September. She is now recovering.

“My baby was born under a pound, so I had too get a C- Section. She had an additional complication that we found out about after she was a born and the doctor said she needed to have this surgery done if she is going to live,” her mother Vanessa Knowles told Tribune Health.

“We are happy that the surgery was successful and she is now recovering. When she was going through the surgery we were worried that she might not make it. The doctors told us that she had a 50/50 chance of surviving.

“We are grateful to the Heart Foundation because they helped save my baby’s life. She is our miracle baby and she survived,” Ms Knowles said.

The Heart Ball Committee is the fund raising arm of The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. It was established in 1961 by the late Evelyn, Lady Sassoon as a living tribute to her husband, Sir Victor Sassoon. The main goal of The Heart Foundation is to assist children with heart care.

Fund raising Heart Ball

The Annual Heart Ball has been the main fundraiser of the Heart Foundation for almost 50 years. Over 97% of all funds raised by The Heart Foundation goes directly to heart care.

“One surgery can cost over $50,000. This is no small amount to many persons in the Bahamas to pay immediately. So, they need help, Ms Sears said.

The 50th Annual Heart Ball will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 under the patronage of the Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Joan Lady Foulkes, Prime Minister Perry Christie and First Lady Bernadette Christie. It will be held under the theme “Celebrating the Golden Anniversary of a Vision….Championing the Cause of Children.

Committee members said guests can look forward to an evening filled with elegance, fine food, fun dancing and prizes. There will be live band and orchestra performances followed by special music by Gary “Super” Johnson.

“We are happy to celebrate this golden anniversary and continue to champion the cause of children. We cannot do it all by ourselves and are inviting the public to join us as we fight for every heart beat.

“The 50th Heart Ball is expected to be the best ball we have hosted thus far and undoubtedly the best ball of 2014. Additionally, the public can help us by donating to the Heart Foundation, becoming a major fundraising sponsor, purchasing booklet ads, volunteering, supporting fundraisers, becoming a member of The Bahamas Heart Association and much more. The children are our future. Let’s save our future,” she said.