The Heart Research Institute (HRI) has received a gift of $400,000 from the Vasudhara Foundation to support the work of esteemed cardiologist and researcher, Prof David Celermajer AO.
The funding will go towards his project exploring the prevalence of disability in children and young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), and to understand the burdens this adds to their life journey.
As a cardiologist, Prof Celermajer has worked throughout his career to transform the medical care offered to children with CHD.
Eight babies are born every day in Australia with CHD. While these children are increasingly surviving to adulthood, tragically, many continue to experience serious health problems and multiple disabilities that limit their potential.
“To address the disabilities experienced by these young people, David has established a research group at HRI that focuses on CHD and its complications,” said Scientific Director and CEO at HRI, Prof Andrew Coats. “We are immensely proud of David and his team for their pioneering work in this area.”
David Celermajer is a professor and cardiologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects.
The Vasudhara Foundation was founded by Tanya Nelson Carnegie, to support innovative and creative social impact projects in both the not-for-profit and social enterprise worlds.
“I am truly grateful for this gift from Tanya and the Vasudhara Foundation,” Prof Celermajer said. “Much more needs to be done for children and young adults who are suffering from the long-term complications of CHD.”
Prof Coats added his thanks to Tanya and her team for their “incredible generosity” and said the gift will have a “direct benefit” on the lives of young people with CHD.
“This partnership with David will have a transformative impact on his research,” he said. “I offer my heartfelt thanks for the Foundation’s generosity, vision, and care for children with CHD, who deserve the very best life that we can give them.”
Prof Celermajer is currently HRI’s Clinical Director and is also the Director of Adult Congenital Heart Services and Pulmonary Hypertension Services at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) in Sydney. He has authored over 500 published peer-reviewed articles, worked with industry to promote new cardiovascular technologies, and mentored many young and emerging research leaders.
