History and Philosophy
The Rafael Nieves Heart Foundation for Children (RNHFC) was founded as a thank you to the the Pediatric Surgery Unit at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children for the wonderful treatment provided to founder Rafael Nieves. The Pediatric Surgery Unit was chosen specifically to be the beneficiary of the Foundation’s efforts because of personal experiences: Mr. Nieves lost a sister in child birth due to cardiovascular illness and a friend’s daughter passed away from complications of cardiovascular disease. The hospital provides the highest level of pediatric cardiac surgery, research, and care. In addition, as an institute of medical education, the hospital provides training and experience for new physicians to help children with cardiovascular illness.
The RNHFC was created in March 1998 with the support of a small group of family members, friends, and supporters who continue today to provide the necessary backing and work to maintain this effort. The initial contribution to the hospital consisted of a few hundred dollars and some informational booklets. The booklets, written in Spanish and English, were distributed to families of children struggling with cardiovascular illness and in need of surgery. Their intention was to help families understand the impact of their children’s illnesses and the need for medical care.
During the development of the Foundation, it was concluded that funds are needed in three primary areas of medical care: research, education, and equipment for pediatric surgery. The Foundation funds are directly distributed to the Pediatric Surgery Unit for cardiac care.
Fundraising
In order to increase funding, the Foundation created the Annual Rafael Nieves Heart Foundation Golf Tournament Fundraiser. The annual tournament has been a sell-out success for the past eight years and has been the key element in our ability to continue to provide significant funds to the University of Maryland Hospital for Children.
During the preparation for the fourth annual RNHFC tournament, beloved mother and key founder Mirta Nieves passed away in 2002. “Mama” Nieves always loved children and wanted gestures of sympathy to be expressed in the form of donations to the Foundation. The donations in the name of “Mama” Nieves amounted to more than $8,000 adding to the proceeds from the golf tournament. With donations from the eight annual golf tournaments, expressions of sympathy, and other donations to date, the Foundation has provided more than $180,000 to the University of Maryland Hospital for Children.
The annual golf tournament fundraiser is held in the spring. For information concerning this event’s date, time, and location, click here. The tournament is a Captain’s choice, shotgun start, with trophies, trips, prizes, food, and fun for everyone.
Use of Funds
All funds go directly to the Hospital. The Foundation has no paid staff or administrative expenses.
In 1999, the Foundation made its first major equipment purchase of computer hardware and software placed into the recovery Intensive Care Unit of the Pediatric Surgery Unit. This equipment included hand-held and desktop computers which provided immediate on-site information concerning medication monitoring, helping prevent medication errors.
The system was initiated by the medical staff as both a research and equipment update program, using funds from the RNHFC. The success of the program is well-documented and considered to be a standard practice for post-surgery care.
Heart attacks and cardiovascular disease are a leading cause of death in the United States and throughout the world. Help us save children’s lives, so that they can become productive, healthy adults. Click here to make a donation.