November 20, 2012

As we observe the Thanksgiving holiday, I am particularly thankful in this Texas Heart Institute 50th anniversary year for the outpouring of support you have given our life-saving research and life-altering education programs. 

It has been very gratifying. So, I pause to say a truly heartfelt thank you. 

With your help, we continue to make progress in the important fight against heart and vascular disease. 

One example is the recent news that our researchers, along with a team from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, under the direction of Dr. Edward Yeh, has discovered the molecular basis for how one of the most commonly used cancer drugs causes heart failure in cancer patients. We are hopeful these findings could lead the way to preventing this terrible side-effect, and also to potential new cancer therapy drugs. Read the details.

We also just received word that our newly redesigned Project Heart curriculum to teach children in grades K through 6 about heart health has been recognized with a prestigious Gold eHealthcare Leadership Award for Best Rich Media. The curriculum, which includes interactive games and activities, is available free of charge to teachers, parents and students at www.texasheart.org/projectheart. 

These are just two of the most recent bounty of bright spots that your support has made possible. We are very grateful. 

I also take this moment to remind you about your opportunity to help us save more lives through the THI 50th Anniversary Fund. We invite you to support us now.

Thank you. Everyone at THI wishes you, and your loved ones, a very happy and heart-healthy Thanksgiving.

With my deepest gratitude and respect,

James T. Willerson, MD
President and Medical Director

Contact Dr. Willerson.