Kathleen Pickrel, LMSW
^{Executive Director}

Kathleen Pickrel Earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the University of Arizona and then went on to earn a Master's Degree in Social Work.  She has spent her career as a medical social worker, first working in hospice, then working for many years with cancer patients, and finally working with heart transplant and MCS patients.  

As a medical social worker, Kathleen is keenly aware how finances can become impacted when illness strikes.  

In 2001, her husband had his first heart attack, which began life coping with heart disease.  Terry lived 13 more years, thanks to wonderful medical advancements. He ultimately passed away in 2014.  

Kathleen founded this organization as a way to combine honoring her late husband and providing much-needed financial support for heart transplant & MCS (mechanical circulatory support) patients who go through so much in their quest for survival.  She feels it is truly an honor to work with these patients and their families. 

Dr. Elizabeth Juneman, MD Heart Failure & Transplantation Cardiologist Advisor

Elizabeth Juneman is the medical director of the Advanced Heart Failure &  Transplant Program at Banner Medical Center in Tucson, AZ. She also currently serves as the interim director of the Sarver Heart Center.  Dr.  Juneman’s basic science research interest is focused on mechanical and cellular remodeling in heart failure.  In her clinical research, Dr. Juneman’s focus is in heart failure. She has served as a principal investigator in nationally funded, multi-center clinical trials, as well as her own investigator-initiated clinical trials. She has authored multiple original research publications, a book chapter, and multiple clinical reviews. Outside of work she loves spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Edward (Eddie) Betterton
  ^Advisor

Eddie Betterton, a lifelong Tucsonan, has deep roots in the Tucson area. Growing up locally he attended the University of Arizona and received his undergraduate degree, before receiving his Master’s degree through Northern Arizona University. He has been employed in the hospital setting for over 15 years largely focused on the Artificial Heart/ Mechanical Circulatory arena. Leading to his current position as manager of the Artificial Heart/ Organ Procurement group and Banner University Medical Center Tucson.

In addition to his education and professional experience, Eddie is passionate about volunteering in the Tucson area and the MCS arena. He has helped form the El Rio Vecino’s, a young professional group that helps partner with the El Rio Health Organization. He helps as a board member with the TMSL soccer league, the largest men’s soccer league in Tucson. He is also involved in a variety of organizations on a national scale with Mechanical Circulatory Support space as a board member with the International Consortium of Circulatory Assist Clinicians (ICCAC), member of the American Society of Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO), and a member of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplant (ISHLT).

Outside of work and volunteering Eddie loves spending time with his family and playing soccer. His wife and two young boys are both becoming increasingly involved with a variety of activities and organizations in the Tucson area.

Brenda Limon, LMSW
Treasurer

Brenda Limon earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Arizona. She later went on to earn a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. She has experience in crisis work, hospice, oncology, transplant, quality, and research. She believes that everyone should have access to quality healthcare and resources while battling a serious medical condition. She joined the Board of Directors of the Terrence Pickrel Heart Fund to be part of a movement to increase accessibility to resources for heart patients and their families.

Krystal Tomlin
Secretary

Krystal Tomlin is a proud Tucson native. She enjoys doing volunteer work and staying active in the Southern Arizona community in which she was raised.  The Terrence Pickrel Heart Fund is important to her because her father suffers from heart-related issues, and she is aware of the financial burden it can bring. When Krystal isn't working or volunteering, you can find her on a hiking trail taking pictures of mushrooms or watching scary movies with her husband at home. 

             Laura Stigsell, LMSW
                      Advisor


Laura Stigsell earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree with a double major of Social Work and Spanish at Concordia College Moorhead. After working nearly a decade as a youth minister, she completed a Masters of Social Work degree at Arizona State University. As an MSW, Laura has worked as a medical social worker in pediatrics, pediatric and adult oncology, bone marrow transplant and solid organ transplant. Laura has a passion to serve others by providing support with complex problem solving, and addiction recovery while navigating the medical system. When not at work, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her kids, husband and dogs.