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Honoring Noemi’s Legacy to Global ARCH

by
November 12, 2023

One year ago, Global ARCH lost a guiding light. Noemi de Stoutz was a trailblazer and dedicated champion of CHD advocacy and support.

Born in Switzerland with complex CHD, Noemi survived far beyond expectations. Despite her limitations, she spent her life helping others as a palliative oncology physician. She was forced to retire early due to her heart condition but turned her focus to CHD advocacy and support. Noemi was deeply passionate about improving life-long care of people with congenital and rheumatic heart diseases.  She was involved with the Swiss organization Cuore Matto, co-founded Global ARCH, and generously donated to Children’s HeartLink and Global ARCH upon her passing. Her donation to Global ARCH was transformational for our organization and member groups, ensuring we can grow and continue to impact future generations of people worldwide affected by CHD and RHD. This week, we remember Noemi — her compassion, dedication, and wry sense of humor — and invite our community to continue her legacy by donating to Global ARCH.

Global ARCH is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Federal identification number: 82-4892355.

 

 

Shelagh Ross

Nahimeh Jaffar 

Nahimeh Jaffar has worked as a certified Project Manager (PMP) in various fields, including Public Health, Biotech, and Pharmaceuticals, working within clinical settings such as hospitals and clinics. In addition, she worked with global communities in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, supporting various social impact projects. Ms. Jaffar has been involved in preventive health initiatives in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control (CDC, USA) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS, USA).

 

Ms. Jaffar holds an MBA in Business Development from the Swiss Institute of Higher Management, Vevey, Switzerland, and a bachelor’s degree in Consumer Affairs from California State University, Northridge, USA.

Amy Verstappen, President

Amy Verstappen has been a patient advocate and health educator since 1996, when her own challenges living with a complex heart defect led her to the Adult Congenital Heart Association, where she served as president from 2001 to 2013. She has served as an advisor to the Centers for Disease Control the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and the International Society for Adult Congenital Cardiac Disease, and worked with congenital heart patient and professional groups throughout the USA and the world.  Ms. Verstappen received a Masters in Education in 1990 and a Masters in Global Health in 2019.