Questions in Search of Answers in 2018

Questions Without Answers

Why do some BAVers tear/rupture their aorta?

Why do some BAVers have aneurysms that do not tear or rupture?

Why are there BAV/aneurysm and  TAV/aneurysm in the same family?

Why do some BAVs calcify and narrow?

Why do some BAVs leak?

Why do some BAVs do both: calcify/narrow and leak?

Why do BAVers get infection (endocarditis) in their hearts? 
Why do some BAVers develop blood pressure issues?

Why are many BAVers so athletic and energetic?
Why do many BAVers (and their TAVer family members) have "delicate tissue", joints prone to injury, "bad eyes", and other issues through out their bodies?
Why can't my doctor tell me ......?

Why............?

Why............?

Why............?

There are so many unanswered questions when it comes to the individualized care that each person with BAV and their blood relatives should have.

As this year comes to a close, we invite you to support our search for answers. Many of those answers may be found in the mice families being studied at the University of Ottawa. With your help, the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation wishes to continue to support this vital work. Online donations through Razoo may be made here. 


Thank you for joining us in our search for answers.

Best wishes in 2018,

~ Arlys Velebir

                       Bicuspid Aortic Foundation 

Bicuspid Aortic Foundation Awards Scholarship to BAV Researcher

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is pleased to announce the awarding of our M. E. Abbott Scholarship to PhD candidate Lara Gharibeh, a student in the Molecular Genetics and Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory at the University of Ottawa.

 The M. E. Abbott Scholarship seeks to recognize those whose work today, in the pioneering excellence tradition of Dr. Abbott, carries on the search for answers to vital questions faced by families with bicuspid aortic valve.  

This full one year scholarship, effective September 1st, 2017, will provide support for the research project "Molecular mechanisms underlying BAV-associated aortopathy".  In the course of this research, an understanding of the cause and mechanism of valve calcification will be sought. In addition, the question of  the impact of valve geometry versus genetics on aortic aneurysm and rupture in response to stress will be examined. Both of these questions are critically important to BAV families.  It is our firm conviction that the ground breaking work in progress in this laboratory in Ottawa is vital to advancing knowledge, individualizing treatment, and thus promoting the well-being and longevity of individuals and families where bicuspid aortic valve is present. 

Diseased thoracic aorta

We are particularly pleased to support this work through funds given in memory of Charles Doherty, who tragically lost his life at the age of 34 due to complications from his bicuspid aortic valve.

We are also pleased that this scholarship begins with September, the month when we observe Thoracic Aortic Disease Awareness.

If you would like to help us support research like this in the future, please donate to the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation. 

Stay tuned for more updates on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's mission and programs!