L to R: Camden Hebson, David Askenazi and Ahmed AsfariLast month in honor of National Heart Month, three researchers from UAB were chosen as the 2024 inaugural recipients of the Hope Fund Award and received $25,000 each in research support. The Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center at Children’s of Alabama is honored to support the following researchers and their commitment to enhancing the care of pediatric patients affected by congenital heart disease:

Camden Hebson, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, and Dr. Seshadri Balaji: “Impact of Junctional Rhythm on Outcomes in Patients with the Fontan Operation”
David Askenazi, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Nephrology: “Fluid Aviator: Fluid Balance System for Children with Congenital Heart Disease”
Ahmed Asfari, M.D., assistant professor in the Section of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care: “Proteoglycan 4 and Acute Lung Injury Following Pediatric Cardiac Care”

The Heart Center is dedicated to pioneering research that transforms the lives of children and families affected by congenital heart disease. The Hope Fund for the Heart Center was established in 2018 to provide vital financial resources for research in the field.