Mission Statement

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

Scientific Advisory Board

Chairman - Sharo S. Raissi, MD, FACS, FACCP Dr. Raissi has retired after many years as a cardiothoracic surgeon practicing in Los Angeles, during which time he was board certified in general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and surgical critical care medicine. In addition to his work with BAF, he actively volunteers with other charitable endeavors. Simon Body, MD Dr. Body is Professor of Anesthesiology at Boston University Medical Center. His vision led to a research effort on the genetics of bicuspid aortic valve, which has blossomed into an international collaboration involving many centers. Randall B. Griepp, MD Dr. Griepp is Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. From its inception in 1988, Dr. Griepp was 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. John Harold, MD, FACC Dr. Harold practices cardiology in Los Angeles. Eric Isselbacher, MD Dr. Isselbacher is Associate Director, Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center and Co-Director of the Thoracic Aortic Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Emeritus - Teruhisa Kazui, MD, PhD (May 18, 1941 - February 8, 2015) Dr. Kazui had retired after serving as Professor and Chairman, Department of Surgery, and Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan. Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, MD Dr. Kouchoukos has retired from the Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. His areas of specialization included surgery of the aortic root, thoracic, and thoracoabdominal aorta. He was active in many professional organizations and was President of the Society of Thoracic Surgery in 1999. Cheryl Maslen, PhD Dr. Maslen is professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, and Molecular & Medical Genetics in the OHSU School of Medicine, and is Associate Director of the OHSU Heart Research Center. Wouter Schievink, MD Dr. Schievink is Director of Neurovascular Surgery at the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Jason Sperling, MD Dr. Sperling is the Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, where he has established the Vassar Aorta Program.

Board of Directors Board Members - 2006 Current Board Members President and Chair - Arlys Velebir Ms. Velebir resides in southern California. Her late husband had bicuspid aortic valve disease and required three aortic valve surgeries and another for ascending aortic aneurysm resection. He also suffered an extensive stroke due to valvular strands. Intransigent endocarditis ended his life. Other family members have also been diagnosed with BAV/TAD. Treasurer - Dr. Sharo S. Raissi, MD, FACS, FACCP (Please see biography under Scientific Advisory Board) Secretary - Ms. Terry Lopez Ms. Lopez lives in Hawaii. She brings her experience with familial aortic disease, which has affected several family members, to the Foundation. Vice Chairman Emeritis - Ms. Fiorenza Courtright- Lucas Ms. Courtright Lucas resided with her husband in southern California. She was diagnosed with ascending aortic aneurysm and underwent successful aneurysm resection surgery. She passed away in 2019. Emeritis Member - Ms. Carrie Mettler 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 many years and successfully underwent brain aneurysm surgery in January, 2004. She has shared her experiences on the BAF Blog. Patient Committee Patient Committee Member - Robert Gies Mr. Gies lives in western Montana. He successfully underwent surgery for BAV, ascending aortic aneurysm, and the MAZE procedure was also performed. He previously was a board member and has shared his experience on the BAF Blog. Patient Committee Member and Emeritis Board Member - Ms. B.J. Sanders Ms. Sanders, who has retired after many years as a pediatric physical therapist, resides with her family in North Carolina. A board member from BAF’s organizational beginning, she has complex bicuspid aortic valve disease and has shared her experiences on the BAF Blog.