Key 2024 Achievements and Initiatives

Expanding Community Health Programs

Our health initiatives saw significant growth in 2024 as we expanded core offerings to serve high-risk populations:

• Expanded Health Coaching Team: Our team grew to 15+ health professionals, enhancing our ability to provide individualized support.

• Community Health Screenings & Education Events and Workshops: This year, we served over 1,000 individuals through 65 screenings, 9 workshops, and 6 educational events, raising awareness about heart health and preventive care.

• Oral Health & Heart Health Sessions: We hosted over 30 sessions (during screening and education events) focusing on the critical link between oral hygiene and heart health, equipping participants with practical tips for maintaining both.

• Partnering with Researchers: We have begun supporting essential research initiatives in Boston through partnerships with Community Servings, the BIDMC Nutrition Program, and MGH’s Pressure Check Program. These collaborations have enabled us to impact the community and contribute to essential health research significantly.

• Hypertension Management Program: Launching in December 2024, this program will support expecting and post-partum mothers, as well as individuals managing hypertension and heart failure, with a focus on preventive and supportive care.

While we focused and deepened our activity in the Mattapan, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Brockton areas, increased awareness of our mission allowed us to expand our services to new neighborhoods in Greater Boston, including Cambridge or Bridgewater.

Key Events and Community Engagement

It’s been an exciting summer and fall, and we have so much to share.

• Our team participated in the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC) 's 19th annual Mattapan Farmers Market at the corner of Cummins and Fairway streets, across from Burger King and America's Food Basket. The market ran for 15 weeks, from mid-July to the end of October, on Saturday mornings. Our health coaches provided services each weekend, braving the rains, sun, and the winds. We delivered over 375 health screening and education sessions to nearly 200 adults.

• October is an exceptional month for our founder, Bouba Diemé, as his birthday falls on the 13th, and his heart transplant anniversary is on the 8th. This year, we are excited to celebrate our inaugural "Heart of a Giant Day" on Saturday, October 12th, marking a significant milestone for the foundation. The event featured the Inaugural Boston Community Heart Walk, health talks, screenings, music, and various family-friendly activities.

• Families and friends came together for a day dedicated to connection and wellness. The event featured health screenings, educational talks, and a scenic walk to promote community health. Participants enjoyed activities such as bounce houses, healthy meals, and an award ceremony with raffle prizes, like fitness classes and a golf package. We received a citation from the Governor’s Office recognizing our community impact. With over 200 attendees, we are excited to make this an annual tradition. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our first Heart Walk!

The photo collection we're putting together is amazing. Click here to view album.

Ongoing Calls to Action

• Be a part of Heart of a Giant Foundation’s mission to create healthier futures. Let’s make 2025 our most impactful year yet!

• Whether you want to attend, donate, sponsor an event, volunteer, or join our Board of Directors, every form of support helps us continue our important work. Thank you for your engagement!

• Share Our Mission and share about our work, events, and impact.

• We are welcoming new Board members with diverse skills and networks (See Board Member Personas). If you're passionate about improving health outcomes in our communities and have experience in healthcare, non-profit management, finance, marketing, or community outreach, please contact us, refer, or nominate someone.