“This direct connection between our donations and the research results makes giving to the Brigham exciting. You can see your gifts turn into new ideas that impact people in a truly positive way.”

 

Patrick MeLampy, who was born with a heart condition and underwent a successful aortic valve replacement several years ago, is pleased to see the impact his philanthropy is making on the Brigham’s Structural Heart Disease Program. He and his wife, the Rev. Priscilla Lawrence, have supported the program’s research into new treatments and better outcomes for people with structural heart disease—conditions that affect the heart’s valves, walls, chambers, or muscles.

Recently, when the couple made a second $1 million gift, they asked MeLampy’s cardiologist, Patrick O’Gara, MD, the Watkins Family Distinguished Chair in Cardiology, and Pinak Shah, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart Disease Program, to direct their contribution to research that continues developing minimally invasive methods for heart valve repair and replacement, as well as to training future specialists in the field.

“As a supporter of the Structural Heart Disease Program and a member of the Brigham’s Heart and Vascular Advisory Board, I’ve become more aware of the extensive programs available to help people like me who live with congenital heart disease,” MeLampy says. “I especially love the enthusiasm of Dr. Shah as he describes these amazing developments. He’s a leader in this area of care and investing in this research and education is an honor.”

Shah and his colleagues have made significant progress on several fronts, such as continuing to reduce the need for pacemakers following transcatheter aortic valve replacement surgery (TAVR) and developing new valve repair techniques that will decrease the rate of surgical intervention.

“With the generosity, trust, and commitment shown by Patrick and Priscilla, we’re able to make important headway,” says Shah. “They’re helping to bring new technologies to more patients while improving long-term outcomes. Philanthropy pushes all of these advances forward, and we’re grateful.”

According to MeLampy, renewing their support was an easy decision because of the tangible research developments that stem directly from their first gift.

“This direct connection between our donations and the research results makes giving to the Brigham exciting,” he says. “You can see your gifts turn into new ideas that impact people in a truly positive way.”