Board

Karen is a mom to two children, and her son was diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis at four weeks old. She is the President of the ECHDO Board and a trustee of the Children’s Heart Federation in the UK. Through both organizations, she works to improve care and support for people with congenital heart defects and their families. Karen is also a nurse (in a field unrelated to cardiac care) and enjoys crocheting and walking her dog in her spare time.

Mirela Dezman - Vice President 

Mirela is a mom of two daughters, one of whom led her into the “heart world.” She is the Vice President of ECHDO and a member of Board of directors of the Croatian national association A Big Heart for Little Heart, where she volunteers to support families, connect pediatric patients with similar diagnoses, and raise awareness about regenerative method for dilated cardiomyopathy - the pulmonary artery banding. Otherwise, Mirela works at a bank and brings experience in developing healthcare-related project proposals and applying for international funding. Her guiding light comes from her favorite film, La vita è bella.