The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) is grateful for a $2 million charitable gift from James and Judith Bradshaw, establishing the James R. and Judith A. Bradshaw Chair for the MHIF Valve Science Center. This special chair designation was given to Vinayak (Vinnie) Bapat, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and researcher in recognition of his internationally renowned research and educational work in valvular heart disease. Dr. Bapat serves as chair of cardiothoracic surgery at Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute.
The Bradshaws made this remarkable contribution to show their profound gratitude for the extraordinary research advances that improved Jim’s cardiovascular health. For more than 30 years, Jim has traveled from North Dakota to Minneapolis to receive care from Minneapolis Heart Institute cardiologists. Jim and Judy made their transformational gift knowing there is significant benefit in new therapies and technologies advanced by MHIF through decades of cardiovascular research and innovation.
“We recognize the immense value that cardiovascular research holds for patients and families,” said Mr. Bradshaw. “We are motivated by our own experience, choosing to invest in MHIF so that future patients can benefit from the same life-saving therapies that I received.”
“I am grateful to Jim and Judy Bradshaw and am honored to fill this special chair within our Valve Science Center,” said Dr. Bapat. “I look forward to continuing groundbreaking research that is advancing options for heart valve disease and I’m also committed to sharing the research and expertise with physicians around the world through education.”
The Bradshaws hope their gift will inspire other grateful patients to consider how they might support MHIF’s mission to improve cardiovascular health through innovative research and education.
