Alpha Phi Foundation proudly announces 2026 Heart to Heart Grant recipients

Alpha Phi Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Heart to Heart Grants:

$100,000 Clinical Grant: Brigham and Women’s Hospital
$25,000 Community Grant: Prairie View A&M University

Brigham and Women’s winning proposal, “AI Driven Mammographic Screening for Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Women,” led by Dr. Sophie Gu, MD, PhD, clinician scientist and postdoctoral research fellow in Cardiovascular Medicine at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, is embarking on a groundbreaking research effort that aims to change how we detect heart disease in women. Dr. Gu’s work uses artificial intelligence to identify early signs of cardiovascular risk from routine mammograms, a screening test already used in women’s preventive care.

The idea is both innovative and practical. Mammograms are widely accessible and regularly performed, yet they may hold valuable information beyond breast health alone. By using AI to analyze subtle markers within these images. Dr. Gu’s shared this work will “transform a test millions of women already receive into a tool for both breast and heart health. This approach has the potential to make prevention more accessible, equitable, and seamlessly integrated into women’s everyday care.” By integrating heart health insights into existing care pathways, her work aims to catch risk earlier, empower informed decision making, and support timely preventive interventions, all without adding burden to the patients.

Dr. Gu believes this research strongly resonates Alpha Phi’s values because it reflects a shared commitment to women investing in women’s heart health. At its core, the project is about ensuring that every woman has the knowledge and opportunity to understand and protect her heart. By prioritizing prevention, her work aligns closely with Alpha Phi Foundation’s long-standing focus on advancing women’s cardiac health and improving outcomes through awareness and research.

Prairie View A&M University’s winning initiative, “Rhythm of the Heart: Bridging Gender Gaps in Late-Diagnosed Adult Congenital Heart Defects,” addresses a critical and often overlooked area of cardiovascular care. While congenital heart defects (ACHDs) are frequently associated with childhood, they can lead to severe, preventable complications when left undiagnosed in adults.

Developed by Dr. Jacklyn Sanders, the Rhythm of the Heart curriculum is designed to empower women across six counties in the Houston, Texas region—Harris, Waller, Galveston, Montgomery, Fort Bend, and Brazoria. The program focuses on:

• Education and Prevention: Bridging knowledge gaps regarding ACHDs in adult women.
• Early Detection: Training participants to recognize symptoms and understand when to seek specialized screening.
• Self-Advocacy: Building the confidence necessary for women to take an active, informed role in their heart health journeys.

The $25,000 grant will support the program’s vital evaluation phase. By utilizing a mixed-methods approach—including focus groups and community showcases—the project will measure improvements in knowledge and screening intent while identifying gender-specific barriers to care.

This pilot program is designed to be more than just a local initiative; it serves as a scalable and replicable model for women’s cardiovascular education. By strengthening community partnerships and proving the curriculum’s effectiveness, Prairie View A&M University is paving the way for broader adoption that could benefit women far beyond the Houston area.

Awarded annually, the Heart to Heart Grant would not be possible without the continued support and generosity of Alpha Phi Foundation donors and volunteers. For 70 years, Alpha Phi’s dedication to women’s heart health has fueled meaningful progress in research, education, and care. Alpha Phi Foundation remains proud to support researchers like Drs. Gu and Sanders, whose work represents the future of preventive medicine, and the power of women led science to create lasting impact.