CHPVC Mission

Supporting children with special hearts, their families, and those who care for them.

The Children’s Heart Program Volunteer Council (CHPVC) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1995 by Julie Ginn Moretz, heart mom, and Dr. William Strong, pediatric cardiologist. Their vision developed into a unique program that would provide a single voice advocating the needs of children with heart disease and their families. Julie brought to the table the knowledge and emotions of a parent who had a child with heart disease and understood the needs of such a program. Dr. Strong brought the experience and expertise of a physician who saw first-hand the importance of collaborating with parents as part of the healthcare team. This unique program evolved from the commitment of parents and a committed team of pediatric physicians who represented many specialties including cardiology, cardiac surgery, cardiac anesthesiology, critical care and neonatology. Nurses and hospital staff joined the effort to form a group whose sole purpose was to provide the best possible care for children with heart disease and their families. Other major institutions across the country are attempting to replicate the “patient- and family-centered care” activities and services provided by the Children’s Heart Program.

Today, the council continues as an unique blend of parents, friends and caregivers of children with special hearts and CSRA community supporters. The CHPVC goals are to identify, implement and fund projects that would directly benefit these special children and their families. Many of us have stood beside our child’s hospital bed not knowing how to make things better for our children. The Children’s Heart Program Volunteer Council makes an effort to fulfill this need as we help parents who are feeling so helpless. We share with them the hope of living with congenital and acquired heart disease.

The Children’s Heart Program Volunteer Council hosts “Doctors Who Cook®,” our remarkable, nationally-known, award winning fundraising event. Recognized as one of the best events in Augusta, it is our main fundraiser which makes it possible to help children with heart disease and their families.

CHPVC maintains a strong and valued relationship with the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Within the Children’s Hospital of Georgia Heart Center, we provide patient and family support and help fund research and education to make a positive impact on the lives of children with heart disease.

Organization Leadership

Officers:

President                          Sherry Hajec
Vice President                     Mark Jackson
Secretary                          Destany Jones
Treasurer                          Cathy Williams
Family Support Chair               Jane Morris

Board of Directors:

President                          Sherry Hajec
Vice President                     Mark Jackson
Secretary                          Destany Jones
Treasurer                          Cathy Williams
Family Support Chair               Jane Morris
GHSU Pediatric Cardiology Faculty  Dr. Ken Murdison
GHSUMC Pediatric Cardiology Clinic Celeste Lemieux Kessler
Member at Large                    Laura Kuhlke
Member at Large                    Cindy McNeill
Ex Officio                         Julie Moretz