Bicuspid Aortic Foundation "About Us"

Welcome to the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation website. The Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to those who have thoracic aortic disease, their loved ones, and the medical professionals who treat it.

Creating a climate of hope for those affected by BAVD and TAAD

Mission

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is committed to promoting the well being of those affected by thoracic aortic disease and supporting the pioneering work of dedicated aortic physicians on the leading edge of treatment. There are several aspects to this, as expressed by the Foundation mission statement.

Bicuspid Aortic Foundation Mission Statement

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's mission is to:

• promote the well being and longevity of those affected by bicuspid aortic valve disease, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and any and all related conditions

• provide information and educational resources for patients, their families, and the general public

• encourage and support medical professionals and research scientists in exchanging information and advancing understanding of bicuspid aortic valve disease and thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, their underlying causes, and the optimization of care for these conditions

• seek research funding for bicuspid aortic valve and thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection conditions

History

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation originated in Los Angeles, California, in 2002. It began with a shared recognition of the need for advocacy in the treatment of all thoracic aortic conditions, regardless of cause, including bicuspid aortic valve disease. The Foundation is led and guided by individuals who understand the challenges faced by those with an aortic condition and the importance of advancing medical and surgical treatment through research.
In its early stages, the Foundation focused on broadening the understanding of bicuspid aortic valve disease, other aortic conditions, and the needs of those who have them. The launch of this website in 2004 has given the Foundation the opportunity to reach out to anyone seeking information about thoracic aortic disease, regardless of the underlying cause.

Dr. Sharo Raissi was honored with the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's Precepts of Hippocrates Award in Los Angeles in April 2005. Click here for details.

The Foundation also awarded its first Distinguished Scientist Award to Dr. Randall Griepp in San Francisco, concurrent with the 2005 AATS meeting. Click here for details.

The Foundation is a California non-profit corporation with Federal tax exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Board of Directors

(left to right) Ms. Arlys Velebir, Ms. Terry Lopez, Ms. Carrie Mettler, Ms. Fiorenza Courtright Lucas, Ms. BJ Sanders, Dr. Sharo Raissi

Chairman and President - Ms. Arlys K.Velebir

Ms. Velebir resides in southern California. Her husband has bicuspid aortic valve disease and has undergone surgeries for aortic valve replacement (twice) and ascending aortic aneurysm resection. He also suffered an extensive stroke due to valvular strands. Other family members have also been diagnosed with BAVD.

Vice Chairman - Ms. Fiorenza Courtright-Lucas

Ms. Courtright Lucas resides with her husband in southern California. She has undergone ascending aortic aneurysm surgery.

Secretary - Ms. Carrie Mettler (click on Carrie's name to read her story)

Ms. Mettler lives on a ranch in northern California. She has bicuspid aortic valve disease, which also affects another member of her family. She has had a pacemaker for 15 years and successfully underwent brain aneurysm surgery in January, 2004.

Treasurer - Dr. Sharo S. Raissi, MD, FACS, FACCP
(Please see biography under Scientific Advisory Board)

Member - Ms. Terry Lopez (click on Terry's name to read about her family)

Ms. Lopez lives in Hawaii. She brings her experience with familial aortic disease, which has affected several family members, to the Foundation.

Member - Ms. B.J. Sanders (click on BJ's name to read her story)

Ms. Sanders, a pediatric physical therapist, resides with her family in coastal North Carolina. She has bicuspid aortic valve disease.

Scientific Advisory Board

Chairman - Dr. Sharo S. Raissi, MD, FACS, FACCP
(click on Dr. Raissi's name for further details)

Dr. Raissi is the Director of the Thoracic Aortic Surgery Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He is board certified in general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and surgical critical care medicine.

Dr. Randall B. Griepp, MD (click on Dr. Griepp's name for further details)
Dr. Griepp is Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. From its inception in 1988, Dr. Griepp has been the Program Director of the Aortic Surgery Symposium, a two day biannual conference with an international faculty focusing on the surgical treatment of aortic disease.

Dr. John Harold, MD, FACC
Dr. Harold practices cardiology in Los Angeles. He is currently President/Governor of the American College of Cardiology, Southern California Chapter and recently served as Chief of Staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Dr. Eric Isselbacher, MD (click on Dr. Isselbacher's name for further details)
Dr. Isselbacher is Associate Director, Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center and Co-Director of the Thoracic Aortic Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Dr. Teruhisa Kazui, MD, PhD (click on Dr. Kazui's name for further details)
Dr. Kazui is Professor and Chairman, Department of Surgery, and Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.

Dr. Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, MD (click on Dr. Kouchoukos' name for further details)
Dr. Kouchoukos practices thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. His areas of specialization include surgery of the aortic root, thoracic, and thoracoabdominal aorta. He is active in many professional organizations and was President of the Society of Thoracic Surgery in 1999.

Dr. Wouter Schievink, MD (click on Dr. Schievink's name for further details)
Dr. Schievink is Director of Neurovascular Surgery at the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Contact Us

Bicuspid Aortic Foundation
30100 Town Center Drive, Suite O-299
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Telephone
Toll free in the US (888) 310-HOPE (4673)
or
(949) 495-0027

Fax: (949) 606-0413

Email: contactus@bicuspidfoundation.com

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Disclaimer

The information on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation website is provided for general informational purposes only. This information is not professional, legal, or medical advice. Any medications, products, or treatment mentioned are presented as information only and do not constitute any recommendation, approval, or endorsement. Any information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical care. You should contact a physician or other qualified medical professional for advice about all health-related conditions.

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation, including its officers, directors, volunteers and any others acting on its behalf, individually and collectively, make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the contents of this website, including its accuracy, completeness, or reliability.

Any links or references to other websites provided on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation website are made available as a convenience only. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation has not reviewed all of the websites linked to this website and is not responsible for the content of these sites or your use of them.