2021 Hero with a Heart Awardees
James H. Black, III, M.D., FACS
Dr. Black is the Chief of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the David Goldfarb, MD Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins UniversitySchool of Medicine. Dr. Black is an expert in the application of endovascular technologyfor patients with aortic and vascular disease. He has unique expertise in open surgical reconstruction and endovascular interventions for the vascular manifestations of all connective tissue conditions. He has given invited lectures on the subject of aortic diseases and connective tissue conditions to the White House Medical Unit and the FDA section in charge of cardiovascular devices. His research interests include the molecular events underpinning the development of aortic emergencies in both atherosclerotic and genetically triggered aortopathies.
David Liang, M.D., PhD
David H. Liang, M.D., Ph.D. leads the Clinic for Marfan Syndrome and Related Conditions in the Elaine & Robert Matranga Aortic Center at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach California. He obtained his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine, as well as completed an Internal Medicine residency and a Cardiovascular Medicine fellowship at Stanford. Dr. Liang also obtained his Ph.D. in electrical engineering while attending Stanford.
Dr. Liang is a nationally recognized specialist in the field of Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue conditions. He splits his time between Hoag and Stanford University Medical Center caring for this community. He is a member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Marfan Foundation.
2021 Karen Murray Inspiration of Excellence Awardee
Barbara Lerman, CPA
Barbara Lerman had never heard of Marfan syndrome. But that changed in 2003 with the birth of her daughter, Sydney. Sydney was diagnosed at birth with a very severe form of Marfan syndrome, a rare and potentially life threatening connective tissue condition.
Barbara and her husband Jonathan immediately began to educate themselves about Marfan syndrome so they could arrange the best care for Sydney. The Marfan Foundation became their lifeline, providing the information they needed, helping to connect them to other families with affected children, and giving them access to the country’s leading doctors on the condition.
Despite Sydney’s significant medical challenges, Barbara quickly turned around to give back to the community. With her close friends and family, she created Heartworks Westchester, and over the course of eight years, raised over $1 million for The Marfan Foundation. Barbara also connects with other parents of children with Marfan syndrome and offers support and advice. Together with Sydney and her older daughter, Carly, the family created the Sydney Lerman Pediatric Hospitality Program, which provides support for families while their child is hospitalized. In addition, Barbara has been an extraordinary advocate for The Marfan Foundation, conducting holiday fundraisers and boutiques that not only raise funds but also increase awareness of Marfan syndrome and related conditions.