National Non-Profit Organization Expands Board of Directors

Dr. Kelvin Panesar, a leading pediatric lung specialist, has been named to the board of directors of Heartworks Photography, a national non-profit organization that works exclusively with special needs children and children who have been stricken with life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

The goal of Heartworks is to enrich the quality of life for children and their families by providing them with professional portraits that reflect their unique personalities and allow them to see themselves without the trappings of their illness. The organization currently works with children at leading hospitals in 8 cities throughout the country and is also associated with notable charitable organizations including Make-A-Wish Foundation, March of Dimes, Foundation for Blind Children and Ronald McDonald House.

Dr. Panesar is a practicing pediatric pulmonologist in Dallas, Texas, where he has dedicated his life to caring for children. Prior to his current position, he served as a pediatric pulmonologist at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Dr. Panesar received his bachelor's degree from Houston Baptist University and then his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. He completed his residency and fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. He is currently the director of the sleep program at Our Children's House at Baylor. He is involved with research related to cystic fibrosis, gene therapy, and interstitial lung disease. In addition to Heartworks, Dr. Panesar serves as an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Thoracic Society. He and his wife Vicky reside in Richardson, Texas with their two young boys, Luke and Alex.

"Dr. Panesar brings a unique combination of compassion, experience with children and medical expertise to the organization," said Heartworks executive director Synthia B. Miller. "We're confident that Dr. Panesar will be an outstanding leader and source of inspiration for the entire Heartworks organization," added Ms. Miller.

Heartworks photographs children who are afflicted by a variety of illnesses and injuries. Many of these children spend their lives in and out of hospitals, connected to ever-present tubes, wires and machines. Because it is so difficult, parents often do not take their children for portraits. Many studios are ill-equipped to accommodate the special needs of these children.

Heartworks Photography was recently featured on ABC/WLS-TV in Chicago. (http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/120903_someone_heartworks.html).

For more information about the organization and its worthwhile efforts or to make a donation, individuals can call (630) 204-2096.