Founder, President of the Board of Directors
Desiree is the founder and president of Building the Cure Foundation, which she formed to raise awareness about complex heart disease in children as well as fund research toward finding a cure. In 2018 Desiree’s daughter was born with a rare heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), meaning she was born with just half a heart. She has had 4 open heart surgeries to redirect her blood flow, a temporary solution to a much bigger problem. Upon meeting Dr. Doris Taylor and learning about her life saving research, Desiree was inspired to create this foundation to be able to directly contribute to the cure she knew would one day provide her daughter the opportunity for a full and long life. Prior to 2018, Desiree worked in business and professional services, starting her career on Wall Street as a fixed income trader for two German banks. Following a move to Colorado, she went into a sales and professional development role for a Fortune 500 company. Desiree is thrilled to be focusing her attention now on the altruistic goal of raising funds and awareness toward curing heart disease, the number one killer in the world and a disease that affects so many innocent children.
Desiree Vrionedes Freris
Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Terry is a Board Member and the current Secretary/Treasurer of Building the Cure Foundation. She is passionate about the mission of the Foundation to fund regenerative medical research and to assist families in need of organ transplants. Terry’s story is personal, as her beautiful 4-year-old granddaughter, born with HLHS and having just half a heart, has undergone multiple open heart surgeries in order to temporarily allow her to lead a normal life. She will need a new heart in the years to come and Terry believes that the “cure” will come through the miraculous work being performed by Dr. Doris Taylor in building hearts and other organs using the recipients’ own DNA. Terry aspires to the bravery and determination she has seen in her granddaughter and is excited to be a part of the BTC team. Terry ‘s background is in Finance and Investments, where she has worked for over 35 years as an institutional investment advisor for municipal clients across the country. Terry’s heart lies with children and families whose lives are affected by complex CHD.
Theresa Kraser
Member of the Board of Directors
Angela serves as a dedicated member of the Board of Building the Cure Foundation (BTC). With a personal journey through heart disease, Angela brings a deeply empathetic perspective and unwavering commitment to BTC’s mission of advancing regenerative medical research, supporting families in need of heart transplants, and raising awareness about complex congenital heart disease (CCHD).
Angela has a unique and heartfelt connection to BTC, knowing the organization’s president and her daughter, Katerina, a courageous heart warrior who embodies the resilience and hope BTC strives to champion. This personal relationship fuels Angela's passion for the cause, driving efforts to enhance the quality of life for affected children and their families.
Through Angela's role on the board, BTC continues to thrive as a beacon of support and progress in the fight against CCHD. Angela is dedicated to leveraging her experience and insights to further BTC’s goals and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing similar challenges.
Angela Brickey
Member of the Board of Directors
Matuya brings vast experience in the not-for-profit sector with prior experience on the Denver Arts Museum Young Professionals board and the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers board, along with decades of volunteer experience including the United Way's First Call for Help, the Student Conservation Association, New York Junior League, Big Sisters and more. She is very passionate about CHD and finding innovative, sustainable cures for those who need it to survive.
She has worked professionally in financial services and communications for 20 years, currently working in product marketing in Wealth Management. She previously held roles heading brand and content teams at fintech and asset management companies.
Matuya graduated from Boston University with a BA in Environmental Analysis and Policy and from New York University with a MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communications. She lives in Denver and enjoys the great outdoors in her spare time.
Matuya Brand
Member of the Board of Directors
Mary is a dedicated advocate for children with congenital heart defects and a passionate supporter of heart health initiatives. Her journey began when her daughter was born in 2007 with several critical congenital heart defects, leading to open heart surgery as a newborn and a life-saving heart transplant at just six months old. This personal experience fueled Mary’s commitment to raising awareness and improving outcomes for children with congenital heart disease, and she has served in various roles with nonprofits supporting this cause. In addition to her advocacy work, she has served on the board of directors for a local chamber of commerce and was recently invited to join the Board of Directors for Building the Cure. As a business owner, she balances her professional life with her deep commitment to advancing research and raising funds for a cure for heart disease.
Mary Anderson
Member of the Board of Directors
Susanne has over 24 years of clinical research experience working within the clinical research industry at the site, CRO, and sponsor (Pharmaceutical) levels. She has held positions that include the following but is not limited to; site coordinator and manager, Clinical Research Associate, Project and Program Manager, line manager for Clinical Operations, strategic partnership lead, and Clinical Operations Director. Her current position provides her with an opportunity to work with executive leadership within the biotech space specializing in Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic therapeutic areas. Experience extends across all Phase I-IV clinical trials.
Susanne is passionate about helping organizations navigate the clinical trial processes in order to advance science and finding cures. This passion is important for the development of new options and solutions across the pharmaceutical, biotech, and device industries.
Expertise & Leadership
Assisting team to understand the regulatory pathway transitioning from pre-clinical trails, to conducting clinical trials, and ending with commercialization *Orphan and rare disease drugs (genetic driven drugs, compounds, and devices) are a specialty
Financial quality review for clinical trial activities
Liaise, as a conduit, between board members and medical and clinical trial community for best understanding of the development of the Ghost Heart. Assisting in awareness, funding, and development. Regulatory guidance for FDA, EU, and Rest of World
Susanne Haugebak
Member of the Board of Directors
Laura is a Dedicated financial professional with nearly two decades in the industry, currently serving at Alpine Bank for the past eight years. Passionate about community impact, Laura has served on the Boards of Forge Evolution and the SCWCC Foundation and previously held leadership roles with the Summit Chamber Board. Their extensive experience in governance, finance, and strategic planning ensures nonprofit organizations have strong financial foundations and sustainable growth.
Inspired by a close friend whose daughter received a heart transplant as an infant, Laura is deeply committed to Building The Cure’s mission to find solutions for children with complex heart conditions. With expertise in leadership, fundraising, marketing, and community outreach, they are eager to contribute their skills to further the organization’s impact.
Laura Lyman
Chief Financial Officer
Alexander J. Giguere is a results-driven financial executive with extensive experience in governance, financial strategy, and operational leadership. He began his career as a senior auditor with KPMG, gaining a solid foundation in public accounting. Over the years, leveraging his broad scope of interests and a strong technical mindset, Alexander has held various executive roles, including Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance, and Director of Finance and Treasury. Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Victoria, and he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Colorado.
Professional Expertise & Leadership
Currently serving as Principal at G2 Management, LLC, Alex provides interim CFO and advisory services, helping organizations refine their financial processes, optimize strategic initiatives, and implement advanced analytics frameworks that drive executive and operational decision-making based on context-sensitive information. Most recently, in support of global clinical trials, Alex has collaborated with an Academic Research Organization (ARO) to provide executive leadership in finance, business development, analytics, international contract/budget negotiations, and financial modeling. Through his professional history, Alex has had the privilege to work with leading and innovative organizations, including CPC Clinical Research, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, Trustbridge Hospice and Foundation, as well as others in the healthcare space.
Community & Leadership
Alex is committed to community service, having held leadership roles in Civil Air Patrol and served on the audit and finance committees of various nonprofit organizations. Alex joins Building the Cure Foundation in an advisory capacity where he will help develop strategy and drive the implementation of financial, operational, and technology frameworks necessary for BTCF to realize its long-term vision for the research and standards of care related to congenital heart disease.
Alexander J. Giguere
Digital Media Director
Carl is a Digital Media Director with a dynamic background in audio-visual production, creative strategy, and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in video production, photography, and content creation, he specializes in crafting compelling media that captures stories and engages audiences.
As the founder of Fasorlab Creative, he has led projects for brands, artists, and organizations, delivering expert video editing, sound design, graphic design, and multimedia marketing. His expertise spans event media production, website management, and social media campaigns, ensuring cohesive digital storytelling across platforms.
With a passion for impactful visuals and immersive storytelling, he excels in building and managing teams of photographers and videographers, producing high-quality event recaps, and driving engagement through strategic digital content. His strong foundation in A/V, and post-production brings a unique perspective that blends creativity with technical precision.
Committed to leading innovative digital media strategies, he is dedicated to elevating brand presence and amplifying meaningful narratives.