Queens of Heart
As individuals, we can achieve great things through philanthropy. When we join together, we have an even greater impact. That is the motivating force behind Queens of Heart, the female-driven giving circle of CMRF.
Each year, we work with the CMRF team to choose a new critical program area to focus on. The program is chosen based on current pressing needs and the scale of impact we can have on the care provided to children and their families. By dedicating funds to a concrete program area, we can also clearly envision what our impact will be.
By joining Queens of Heart, women have the opportunity to:
- Be part of a community of philanthropists and leaders united by a shared commitment to children’s health and happiness.
- Celebrate milestones and deepen connections with members through invitation-only events and trips, including in-person visits to Crumlin.
- Be on the inside track of news and happenings at the Children’s Medical & Research Foundation through our dedicated quarterly newsletter.
- Gain exclusive access to a members-only social network with ongoing updates from CMRF and others members – including profiles, blogs, photos and more.
- Be recognized in the CMRF Annual Report and through a special gift from CMRF.
Our membership, composed of individuals and corporations, commits to a minimum annual gift in support of CMRF.
Project Spotlight
We are committed to the potential of Research & Innovation in the health field – and to the hope that it brings to patients facing critical or life-threatening illnesses. The sickest children need better outcomes, better treatments, better cures and quicker diagnoses. The women behind Queens of Heart believe that uncovering those is possible through significant philanthropic support of medical discovery.
Our core area of support this year is the Pediatric Cardiology program. Within this focus area are many incredible research projects, which range from:
New gene therapies and gene editing to prevent sudden cardiac death
Innovative medical devices to tackle some of the most common congenital heart defects, like leaky valves, and prevent excessive repeated surgeries.
Essential studies to better understand the impact of different diseases and conditions on heart function, to improve diagnoses and treatment options.
Why Queens of Heart?
The story of our group begins with the dedication and commitment of women to pediatric cardiac programming at CMRF – to the hearts of children. Globally, 1 in 100 children are born with a congenital heart defect, hampering their opportunities for a full and healthy life from the very start. Quite simply, we knew that something had to be done to give these children better futures. We also knew that CMRF, as Ireland’s leading pediatric research institution, has a track record of pushing the boundaries of medical discovery so that all children, in Ireland and around the world, can receive the best, most effective treatments possible.
Philanthropy is collective action taken out of love for humankind. The heart, literally and figuratively, brought us together in our dedication to the health and well-being of children – and continues to unite us to this day.
A Message from our Founding Chair
Dear Friends,The Children’s Medical Research Foundation, bringing support to Ireland's leading pediatric research institution, the National Children's Research Centre at Crumlin, is responsible for saving thousands of lives every year.
Incredibly, this heroic work is only possible because of charitable contributions. In fact, they receive 0% of their funding from the government. It falls to us to support them – and it is my honor to lead Queens of Heart as we build a movement of philanthropy for children and families.
For me, this is also a personal mission. Anyone who has been close to a child facing a grave diagnosis will tell you that it is the most terrifying moment of your life.
My niece Sarah Ellen Maher was born on January 13, 2007. Barely having entered this world, Sarah was diagnosed with a coarctation of the aorta, severely limiting blood flow to her heart. A day later she was transferred to Crumlin, and at 3 days old she entered emergency surgery.
The doctors and nurses at Crumlin Hospital, especially her first surgeon, Dr. Lars Nolke, and Dr. David Coleman who she visits annually, have been truly amazing. On behalf of our entire family, I must say how deeply and sincerely grateful we are for everything they have done and continue to do for Sarah.
It is thinking of Sarah, and the thousands of other children that enter through Crumlin’s doors, that has driven me to step forward with Queens of Heart. I know firsthand of the lives they save and the hope they bring to children and families in the darkest hours.
I look forward to joining my heart with yours in this incredible, inspiring group of women – so that together, we can build a cradle of support to ensure that every sick child, in Ireland, the United States and every corner of the globe, will have every chance.
With warmth and gratitude,
Caroline Sullivan
Wealth Manager, Bank of America