Meet our founders
HeartGift was founded in Austin, Texas in 2000 by Dr. John "Chip" Oswalt and Austin businessman Ray Wilkerson. Dr. Oswalt, an adult cardiothoracic surgeon, learned of children in developing countries in need of heart surgery but with no access to care. He knew intimately the urgency of their condition and knew without help, these children would live with chronic illness at best, and unfortunately, many would not live to see their next birthday. Leaning on their vast network in the Austin medical and business communities, these two gentlemen crafted a plan to address this disparity of care for these most deserving children. Through their medical relationships with the children’s hospital and assembling an influential and passionate group of friends and colleagues, they raised funds to bring their first child to Austin in early 2001. With just one surgery, the child's heart was completely repaired, and the surgery was provided at no cost to her family. Dr. Oswalt and Mr. Wilkerson knew they were on to something, thus creating HeartGift.
