A Charleston physician and CAMC’s cardiac rehabilitation director will both receive special honors at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Masquerade Ball on Feb. 23.
Cardiothoracic surgeon Edmundo Figueroa,
MD, will receive the Legacy of Life award, given each year to a physician who has strived to improve the field of cardiology throughout his or her career.
Figueroa has been performing cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at CAMC for 20 years. He said that the award was unexpected, and he was surprised when he found out he was being honored.
“Dr. Figueroa is a selfless human being, giving so much of himself so that others can have a better quality of life,” said Kevin Pauley, communication director for the AHA.
Ed Haver, cardiac rehabilitation director, is the recipient of the 2008 Heart of Gold award, presented each year to a volunteer who is dedicated to advancing the mission of the AHA.
Haver has served the AHA as chairman of the HeartWalk event in 2001 and 2005. He has directed the CAMC cardiac rehab HeartWalk team for 10 years, raising more than $10,000 each year. He often participates in speaking engagements, educating audiences about the benefits of a heart healthy lifestyle.
“Ed is a humble, selfless man and one on whom we couldn’t be prouder to bestow this award,” Pauley said.
“I am very grateful to the American Heart Association for the honor they have bestowed on me. I accept it on behalf of the entire cardiac rehab staff at CAMC who has worked diligently to make our HeartWalk teams so successful the past 10 years and the administration at CAMC who has backed our efforts,” Haver said.
Both of the winners are selected by an awards committee, which consists of members of the AHA chapter’s board
of directors.
CAMC congratulates Dr. Figueroa and Ed Haver on their hard work and dedication to improving the health of our community.
