The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

SAYING goodbye is never easy, yet it was a necessary move for Ingrid Sears, who for almost a decade has been known for her tireless and passionate commitment to the Heart Ball Committee as its public relations officer.

And even though that chapter has closed for Ms Sears, she will remain a friend to the committee and the Heart Foundation.

The Heart Ball Committee is the fundraising arm of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. It is a non-profit entity established in 1961 that helps to repair the hearts of children.

The Heart Foundation works along with the Bahamas Heart Association to educate the public about heart care in hopes of preventing heart disease in adults and children.

Ms Sears’ journey with the Heart Ball Committee began in September 2006 when she was invited by other committee members to join the team.

“The journey has been a blessing. I have learned much from the doctors, patients, parents, the committee, donors, sponsors and affiliates. Most importantly, I learned to trust God,” she told Tribune Woman.

“When I started out with the committee, I was very uncertain about how I could make a difference, but was willing to try. Admittedly, I was uncertain about staying. The committee consisted of people from varying backgrounds and economic status. But this did not matter; they welcomed the help. What was most important was that they all wanted to help to save a child’s life and it made no difference who you were, as long as you were willing to join them in the fight. Since then, the journey has been amazing.”

As the public relations officer, Ms Sears’ role included but was not limited to increasing public awareness of heart disease, the impact it has on Bahamians and the job the Heart Foundation plays in saving the lives of children who have heart disease.

“I can say that I have watched the hands of God at work. I’ve seen God open doors and put people in our paths to be blessings. I also know that God touched the hearts of others to help children whose hearts needed repair. Without a doubt I have concluded that these children are special to God,” she said.

“Many of the patient stories and families have touched my life and my faith. Speaking with parents who can tell you of the obstacles and challenges they faced or to even tell you that their child did not need surgery anymore is amazing.”

Ms Sears said that although she believes she has done a good job with the foundation, she believes there is more that can be done for those in need.

“I’m very grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to help. I take no credit on my own, as I did not do it on my own. I did it by God’s grace, and with the support of a team. I can recall days, simply sending a note to give an update and asking them to remember me and our efforts in prayers. Those prayers took wings and helped,” she said.

“I’m very happy that I helped, but I still wish that more could be done. There are children whose hearts need repair and who need the public to help. Without help, a child may die.”

Even she is now moving on to other ventures, Ms Sears will continue to lend her support to the organisation anyway she can.

“The work that they are doing is very important and amazing. Heart disease does not discriminate and affects many homes in the Bahamas. The ability to offer emotional and financial support to a parent whose child is diagnosed with heart disease and could possibly die if not helped, is a blessing. I wish to encourage the general public to please lend them your support. Your support does make a difference, no matter how small your contribution may seem to you,” Ms Sears said.