The Downtown based non-profit Harboring Hearts, which is helmed by co-founder Michelle Javian, EVP Deirdre Lombardi and their team of volunteers headed to The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore on February 12th to brighten the day of over 50 children who have a wide variety of heart conditions. They were joined by Real World star and Bronx native Jay G, along with MTV’s Are You The One star Chris Scali who volunteered at the special event.
The hospital’s Annual Heart Party made for a welcoming setting for families of pediatric heart patients to meet and exchange experiences. The party was hosted by the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. In addition to Harboring Hearts, other sponsors included The Starlight Foundation, Family Learning Place at CHAM, Mr. Nice Guy Catering, The Development Department at Montefiore, Joanne Rooney- Montefiore School Health Program.
A week later, the Harboring Hearts team was in full-force at The 28th Annual Valentine’s Reunion Party at Mount Sinai Hospital on February 18th, which gave patients the opportunity to reunite with other families they met their time at Mount Sinai. The lobby was decorated Valentine’s Day themed hearts and games while dozens if children took part in a multitude of activities including dancing, face painting, manicures, music and more. Michelle Javian, Deirdre Lombardi and the rest of the Harboring Hearts team helped serve pediatric heart patients and their families a healthy lunch catered by Pret A Manger.
Harboring Hearts Housing believes that anyone going through cardiac procedures should have access to top medical care regardless of their financial situation. The organization does everything possible to eliminate the hurdles of coming to New York City for such care by providing an affordable, home-like environment that would alleviate both the emotional and financial stress of traveling long distances for requisite medical care. Their mission is not only help provide temporary housing for patients and caregivers, but also help create a safe haven and a community of support for them.
For more information about Harboring Hearts, please visit: www.harboringhearts.org/
