GNK Gala Event called ‘love’ to be held on September 12th 2014

World Leading Heart Disease Research Backed by George Naim Khattar Foundation

20/8/2014

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

The George Naim Khattar Foundation (GNK) and Arab Bank Australia hosted a unique event for fifty prominent community and business guests on August 19th  at Westmead. 

The event provided an opportunity to hear from heart researcher Dr Eddy Kizana about world leading work he and colleague Dr James Chong are doing to prevent sudden death from heart disease. The focus of their research is mending a ‘broken heart’.

Joe Khattar

Joe Khattar welcomed guests on behalf of the hosts, saying, “On behalf of the GNK Foundation Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you all to this private tour.

The GNK Foundation is a non-for-profit organization founded in 2011 in memory of my late brother, George Khattar, who was a passionate humanitarian.

Each year, the GNK Foundation raises funds for a life affirming community project. This year, the Foundation will help fight heart disease.

Our Foundation is proud to partner with Westmead Medical Research Foundation and Arab Bank Australia Limited in supporting the vital heart research being carried out by Dr. Eddy Kizana and Dr. James Chong – a cause very close to our hearts.

These incredible researchers are making history right here at Westmead, as they attempt to find new treatment for heart failure – something 300,000 Australians are living with today.

Tonight, you will be hearing from our special guest, Dr. Eddy Kizana, but first we have a video from Dr. James Chong describing his vital heart research, alongside Eddy, here at Westmead.

Thank you, and God bless.”

Dr. Kizana and Dr. Chong

The event showcased the work of Dr. Kizana and Dr. Chong.  Dr Kizana is using gene therapy to unlock the secrets of cardiac arrhythmia. This work is crucial with one Australian lost to heart disease every 12 minutes. Dr Chong is leading the world in stem cell research growing new heart muscle to repair damage after a heart attack. 

People living in Western Sydney can be very proud of the work that is happening in their backyard. Both researchers are making enormous strides in their field and are gaining worldwide attention for their breakthroughs.

Westmead Medical Research Foundation, the primary fundraisers of both Westmead Hospital and Westmead Millennium Institute were proud to introduce the work of the researchers to GNK and Arab Bank Australia and will be the recipients of funds to support the work.

Gala Event September 12th

There will be a further opportunity to support the research at the GNK Gala Event called ‘love’ to be held on September 12th 2014 at Le Montage Sydney. Both Dr Kizana and Dr Chong will be in attendance at the event.