Tuesday, June 18, 2013

April and May have been very busy months for Matthew’s Hearts of Hope. On April 29th, we received confirmation that Matthew’s Hearts of Hope is an official Nonprofit  501(c)(3) retroactive to November,  2011. On April 30th Dr. Richard Berning, Matthew and I travelled to Albany, New York to meet with Assemblyman Richard Gottfried and Senator Kemp Hannon the co-chairs of the Public Health Committee to discuss the importance of passing legislation that would mandate Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Defects using a simple, non-invasive, cost effective pulse oximetry test. We were invited back by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther who we have been working with very closely on Bill # A 2316 since January, on May 30th to witness the passing of the bill unanimously in the assembly. Matthew was introduced to the New York Assembly and received a standing ovation and was presented with a Resolution also! It was a proud Mama moment for sure! See below for videos of our visit and also some photos. The bill passed the senate on June 12th and currently awaits Governor Cuomo’s signature which should be in the next week or two!

 
A Picture speaks a thousand words! The passing of Bill # A 2316 unanimously!

 
Meeting with Assembly Majority Leader Hon. Joseph D Morelle.
 
 
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther presenting Matthew with a Resolution on May 30th



 
 
The Fundraising Committee chaired by Susan Seeger is full steam ahead with our planning for the 3rd Annual “Giving from the Heart” Gala on Sunday, October 6th at 5pm at Anthony’s Lake Club in Danbury. Last week the Board of Directors voted to award multiple $5000 grants directly to Pediatric Cardiology Fellows for the purpose of CHD Research. We are currently seeking sponsors for our event so please email us at matthewsheartsofhope@hotmail .com if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor! As always thank for your support and prayers. We are looking forward to a fun summer with some planning for the Gala in between!!