Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-21

Completing her term as presi-
dent of the Metropolitan Heart
Guild Of Washington last sum-
mer, Mrs. Bernard General used
o sentence that summed up the
spirit Of the organization.
"KindlineSs and q helping
hand can do more for the sick
and lonely than all the money
In the world" she said.
Guild members believe that.
Actually, their financial con-.
tribution to various institutions
has been notable. projects be-
ing carried out this year will
cost about $4.000)
But the genuine pleasure they
get from providing aid and COM
fort to cardiac patients in need
Of q helping hand probably &C
counts for the rapid growth OF
the organization in less than flve
years.
When the guild was founded
by Mrs. Charles Friedenberg on
March 10, 1949. it had Is charter
members.
Today, it has an enrolment
Of about 800, and its member
ship is still increasing.
Volunteer service has been q
major part of its program from
the beginning.
One of its most rewarding
projects is the provision of trans
portation for patients being
treated at the cardiac clinics of
three local hospitals.
well over 1000 trips have
been made this year by volun-
teers serving in the transporta-
ton corps" according to the
president, Mrs. Sidney Kohn.
The warmth and interest" Of
the volunteer drivers means as
much or more to cardiac patients
as the physical assistance of
transportation. it is noted by
Miss Margaret A. Ludden, di-
rector of the social service de-
partment Of Georgetown Uni
versity Hospital.
An enthusiastic booster Of the
guild, Miss Ludden wrote the
women, in a letter Of thanks:
"It seems to us that our pa
tients have q rich experience
from getting to know your volun-
teers. and we hope your volun-
teerS are in return also gaining
from the experience.
"It Is that rich dynamic thread
of human relationship which is
Of such Importance to people
who have heart aff1ictions and
who. in part for that very reason.
can and should have all the
tender. loving care you give
them"
The transportation service was
initiated at Georgetown and
Providence Hospitals and re-
Gently was extended to George
Washington University Hospital.
upon request.
Incidentally, when no volun-
teers are available. the guild 4
provides taxi service for the pa
tients on its list.
At Providence Hospital, the,
guild recently inaugurated q
home-care service for patients
physically unable to report to
the cardiac clinic A fund set
aside for this purpose pays for
all OF the expenses incidental
to a home visit. such as the doc
tors transportation and medi-
cine.
At Georgetown Hospital, a
fund is being established for
private nursing care for INDECENT
patients undergoing the plastic
valve heart operation or other
cardiac surgery.
Georgetown also will soon be
the recipient of an $500 ultra
centrifuge machine which has
been ordered by the guild for use
in the hospital research labora-
tory work.
Research in the field Of heart
ailments will be aided by an
other new project-the Helen
MillenSon Fellowship Fund,
which honorS the memory Of
the late historian of the guild.
The fund will provide $4,000 an
nually for cardiac research.
Children, as well as adults,
are the inspiration for. many of
the groups activities.
The last payment has been