Houston, TX (September 23, 2016) – Texas Heart Institute President James T. Willerson, MD, was honored at last night’s Texans for Cures “Hearts and Minds” event, receiving a proclamation from the City of Houston and Mayor Sylvester Turner for his contributions to the medical community and cardiovascular profession. Mayor Turner proclaimed Thursday, September 22, 2016 as The James T. Willerson, MD Day in Houston, Texas. The Senate of the State of Texas also recognized Dr. Willerson and formally adopted Proclamation No. 809, sponsored by Senator John Whitmire, “Dean of the Texas Senate," as an expression of esteem for Dr. Willerson’s dedication and pioneering work in the field of cardiology,

“In the rich legacy of the Texas Medical Center, there are only a few iconic physicians, and Dr. James T. Willerson is certainly one of them,” said Walter Ulrich, President and CEO, Houston Technology Center. “A renowned cardiologist, he has enjoyed a distinguished career in medicine, in fostering the commercialization of medical innovations, in saving patients’ lives, and he is a visionary dedicated to understanding, preventing and curing cardiovascular disease. Dr. Willerson has been an inspiration to many and Hearts and Minds is privileged to honor him.”

Hearts and Minds, the latest event in the Texans for Cures educational series Learn for Life, was also an opportunity to hear about the latest advancements in groundbreaking regenerative medicine research and therapies in development at the Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College of Medicine. Proceeds from the evening will help to support the pioneering efforts of Texas Heart Institute’s Doris Taylor, PhD, and Baylor College of Medicine’s William Decker, PhD.

A special thank you to the Texans for Cures organization for hosting last night’s extraordinary event and for the evening’s sponsors, including CardiCord, Rosser International, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Mandola’s Deli, Hilton Garden Inn and the individual donors who contributed.