Nov. 26, 2019
MILWAUKEE 鈥� Callie J. Chiroff, clinical assistant professor in the College of Nursing at 蜜桃影像, has been appointed to the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association board of directors.
The PCHA is a national organization founded in 2013 dedicated to conquering congenital heart disease through collaboration with patients, parents, health care providers and partner agencies.
鈥淏eing part of PCHA leadership is an incredible honor both professionally and personally,鈥� Chiroff said. 鈥淎s nurses, we are continuously looking for ways to further advocate for patients. I also know what it鈥檚 like to have a loved one faced with a serious heart defect, and understand the devastating impacts of this health condition. I would consider congenital heart disease to be a community crisis that no one knows about. It is the most common birth defect and number one cause of infant mortality.鈥�
In 2017, Chiroff鈥檚 six-month-old son Theo lost his life to congenital heart disease and other complications. Chiroff has since devoted her life to helping children and families battling CHD.
鈥淚 am dedicated to empowering and creating positive outcomes for patients and families through education, support and increased community awareness,鈥� she said, adding that she wants to give a voice to the CHD community and create opportunity for improvement where healthcare policy and CHD intersect.
As a board director, Chiroff will define and guard the mission of PCHA, determine its direction, monitor performance and continue to fundraise to reach organizational goals.
鈥淭he Marquette nursing community congratulates professor Chiroff on her well-deserved new role with PCHA,鈥� said Dr. Janet Wessel Krejci, dean of the College of Nursing. 鈥淪he offers a unique perspective to the organization and will undoubtedly provide valuable knowledge, experience and expertise in its endeavors.鈥�
Chiroff received both her master鈥檚 degree (2012) and her doctorate (2015) in nursing from Marquette and has more than 10 years of nursing experience. In 2019, she was the chair of Milwaukee鈥檚 first-ever Heart and Sole 5K Run/Walk, which raised $95,000 for PCHA. The second annual Heart and Sole 5K will be May 30 at Miller Park. Chiroff and her team are hoping to raise $150,000.
Shelby is a senior communication specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Shelby at (414) 288-6712 or shelby.williamson@marquette.edu
