Heart 4 the Wounded

About Heart 4 the Wounded

The inaugural Heart 4 the Wounded Conference took place in 2013 at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. It kicked off with the theme of “making a difference.” This theme has remained a driving force for delegates in subsequent years, including 2015, 2017, and 2019 when we relocated to The Maslow at Time Square for the first time. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of recognizing and honoring difference makers at both national and international levels. Additionally, Heart 4 the Wounded has provided support to various charities and non-profit organizations, such as “save-our-rhino,” “Santa’s shoebox,” “Angels,” and this year’s beneficiary, “DEBRA.”

Although COVID-19 may have caused a delay, it certainly didn’t cancel our 5th Heart 4 the Wounded conference. Today, we’re thrilled to present this year’s topic, which focuses on the diverse aspects of SKIN: pre-injury, during injury, and post-injury.

KNOW MORE

Conference Theme 2023

“It’s all about skin.”

Heart 4 the Wounded's conference program offers a comprehensive exploration of skin health and care. The sessions cover various topics, equipping attendees with practical strategies for maintaining and improving their skin's health.

The "Intact Skin" session focuses on recognizing, protecting, and caring for healthy skin, including topics like inflammation, skin microbiomes, cosmetic procedures, allergies, and the relationship between skin and sex.

The "Broken Skin" session addresses challenges associated with skin injuries, such as open skin injuries, chronic wounds, cancer-related skin issues, surgical site infections, reconstructive surgery, and advanced wound healing technologies.

The "Skin Challenges" session focuses on rare skin disorders, spinal injuries, mobility issues, and scar management. Workshops on lymphedema and specialized skin care areas provide practical insights.

The program's "Special Features" include a talk on Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) by the charity Debra, a workshop on wound products, and the celebration of the achievements of the Eloquent student group in the field.

Heart 4 the Wounded's conference program ensures attendees gain valuable insights and knowledge to enhance their understanding of skin health and care, offering a comprehensive and holistic approach.

BE THE DIFFERENCE

"Being the difference entails taking action and adopting a different approach to create an impact.

This year, we aim to honor the bravery of our champions battling Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) by providing support to our local EB organization, DEBRA SA.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a condition characterized by fragile and loose skin. Due to its delicate nature, the skin is susceptible to injuries, leading to the formation of painful blisters. These blisters can pose severe complications if they become infected, potentially resulting in fatality. EB is a hereditary condition that can affect anyone, typically manifesting its initial symptoms during infancy or toddlerhood.

We are fortunate to hear Toni Roberts' story as our South African DEBRA ambassador, at the Heart 4 the Wounded Conference this year sharing her personal journey and shedding light on the challenges faced by EB champions. Toni defied all odds when she was born with a rare skin disease and given a life expectancy of less than a year. Yet, she not only survived but also dedicates her life to supporting others undergoing similar experiences.

For further information on Epidermolysis Bullosa, please visit the DEBRA SA website at www.debra.org.za."