“I thank the wonderful women of Philoptochos and the Children’s Medical Fund for their generosity in granting $25,000 to Matthew’s Hearts of Hope in 2015. We have been able to help so many children in the northeast and are expanding our reach to help other children born with congenital heart defects,” states Marie Hatcher, R.N. Mrs. Hatcher, together with her son Matthew (now 8½), founded Matthew’s Hearts of Hope in 2010 after Matthew’s friend Faith died from complications of a congenital heart defect. Faith and Matthew met during their hospital stays while undergoing treatment.

Mrs. Hatcher first learned about the grant opportunities offered by the National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund from a friend and Philoptochos member in Connecticut.

She completed the application, requesting funding to sponsor 3D Imagery prior to surgery to repair congenital heart defects. 3D Heart Imagery before surgery helps the doctors and surgical team map out the delicate operation.

The Children’s Medical Fund grant was awarded to Matthew’s Hearts of Hope to underwrite the cost of the 3D Imagery program at Boston Children’s Hospital. 3D Imagery has changed the way that doctors perform surgeries. It has resulted in less time under anesthesia for the patient, less risk for infection and a quicker recovery time, which leads to a shortened hospital stay and better prognosis.

An additional benefit has been an increasing interest by insurance companies in covering the cost of 3D Imagery.

Mrs. Hatcher and Matthew, have been inspired by the positive results of this program.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Matthew’s Hearts of Hope would not have the relationship with Boston Children’s Hospital that it now has if it had not been for the grant from the Children’s Medical Fund.

The assistance from the Philoptochos stewards is sincere, their work is being guided by God. We are thankful to these ladies of amazing faith for their confidence in our non-profit organization. Their gift has changed countless lives and will continue to make a difference in the lives of children and their families as we work to expand this program on the East Coast. We look forward to working together again.”

Lucas Levi was born with Double Outlet Right Ventricle, a rare congenital heart defect. When he receives his next surgery to correct the defect, he will benefit from the 3D Imagery program.

This program would not have been possible without the support of countless faithful Philoptochos stewards and sponsors across the United States who have supported the Children’s Medical Fund with donations and their attendance at the luncheon. Donations may be placed online at: http://bit.ly/1MpMsF3.

The biennial National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon has raised and disbursed approximately $3.3 million dollars since its inception in 1989 for children’s hospitals and research programs, as well as special programs that serve the needs of ill and fragile children, along with their families throughout the United States and in other parts of the world.

This year’s luncheon will take place on Nov. 11 at The Venetian in Garfield, N.J. Washington journalist Laura Evans will be the emcee. For more information on the program and grant applications visit www.philoptochos.org/outreach/cmfsection