Heart Wishes Foundation

Heart Wishes FoundationHeart Wishes FoundationHeart Wishes Foundation

Heart Wishes Foundation

Heart Wishes FoundationHeart Wishes FoundationHeart Wishes Foundation
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About Us

Mission Statement

The mission of Heart Wishes is to provide financial grants to adult recipients who have a critical illness. Recipients may include those who may or may not have medical or supplemental health insurance. Grants are intended to purchase tangible items which provide comfort and peace of mind.  Our program is similar to “Make A Wish” which fulfills a child’s wish who is diagnosed with a critical illness, but for adults.


Heart Wishes is built on the premise that small acts of kindness can make a major difference in a person’s life, especially those dealing with a critical illness.

Bridge the gap

We recognize that traditional healthcare may not address all aspects of living well. We provide tangible items that improve quality of life. 

Spark hope and joy

 Fulfilled wishes bring moments of pure joy - a reminder that even amidst life's biggest challenges, life can still be full of positive experiences. 

Strengthen connections

 We facilitate connections with loved ones through travel assistance, communication tools, and accessibility improvements, fostering support and emotional well-being. 

Empower independence

 We break down physical barriers by granting tools like wheelchairs, home modifications, and travel for a family member -allowing people to regain independence and a sense of empowerment within their own homes. 

Inspire compassion

  Every fulfilled wish embodies the spirit of compassion and generosity. We celebrate the strength of the human spirit and promote the value of helping others in need. 

The Heart Wishes Foundation Board

Daniel Pisetsky, Ph.D., Founder & Chairman

Daniel Pisetsky, Ph.D., Founder & Chairman

Daniel Pisetsky, Ph.D., Founder & Chairman

In 2002, Dan founded the National Association for Critical Illness Insurance (NACII), an industry advocate organization to educate and disseminate information on critical illness.  NACII changed its name in 2017 to the National Association for Supplemental Benefits Insurance (NASBI) to become more inclusive for other supplemental health insurance products.


Dan’s career includes positions in education, CIGNA vice president, and president of two companies he established for health reinsurance and critical illness product development.


In 2022, Dan provided seed money for NASBI to launch Heart Wishes, a grant program designed to help adults who are diagnosed with a critical illness. Based on the program’s success, in 2023, Dan founded the Heart Wishes Foundation and is Platinum Level sponsor.  Although retired, he continues to be involved with philanthropic endeavors.


Barry Hurewitz, Executive Director

Daniel Pisetsky, Ph.D., Founder & Chairman

Daniel Pisetsky, Ph.D., Founder & Chairman

Barry Hurewitz brings a wealth of experience gained through key positions at UBS, Morgan Stanley, Time Warner, and McKinsey & Company.  Before joining the Heart Wishes Board, Barry held the position of Global Head of Smart Technologies and Advanced Analytics for UBS Wealth Management. Previous to this position, he founded and led UBS Evidence Lab, recognized as one of the world’s largest and most experienced primary research and alternative data teams. 


During his tenure at UBS, he also led a global digital marketing and sales technology team, responsible for developing platforms and analytical marketing solutions across the firm.  Before leading UBS Evidence Lab, Barry served as the Global COO for UBS Investment Research.  

His academic background includes earning an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1995, where he graduated with the highest distinction as a Baker Scholar.

Nancy Moskow, Secretary & Director

Daniel Pisetsky, Ph.D., Founder & Chairman

Nancy Moskow, Secretary & Director

Nancy’s career in the legal departments of several life and health insurance carriers included The Hartford, Connecticut Mutual, and Mass Mutual, in the areas of legal research, nationwide compliance issues, reinsurance litigation, contract analysis, management of insurance defense and disability cases working with counsel on a nationwide basis.


She  also developed her own business, LawWork, LLC, to work on both  a local and national scale in recruiting law partners and associates, and merger activity.  She earned her B.A. from Bennington College.

Nicholas Pepe, Fundraising Chair

Guilio Cessario, Treasurer & Director

Nancy Moskow, Secretary & Director

 Drawing on a substantial 25-year career in institutional equities, Nicholas Pepe brings significant leadership and strategic insight to the board of Heartwishes Foundation. As Managing Director of Wealth Management, Nick's experience includes his role as Managing Director and Head of U.S. Institutional Equity Sales at UBS, where he was a vital member of the Operating Committee.

Now focused on private wealth management, Nick is dedicated to bringing a sophisticated and rigorous approach to individuals and families. His broad understanding of complex organizations and his commitment to providing valuable perspectives, particularly within the healthcare sector, will be a tremendous asset to Heartwishes Foundation.

Nick's decision to join the board reflects his deep-seated desire to contribute meaningfully to the lives of those facing critical illnesses. His leadership skills and dedication to making a tangible impact will be invaluable in advancing the mission of Heartwishes Foundation to provide essential support to those in need.

Guilio Cessario, Treasurer & Director

Guilio Cessario, Treasurer & Director

Guilio Cessario, Treasurer & Director

Giulio is a CPA serving individuals and businesses of all sizes in the Greater Hartford Area for over 40 years.   Giulio has extensive experience serving on boards and is currently Treasurer of UNICO's Hartford Chapter.  His expertise includes business and tax advice including 501-c-3 non-profits, such as the Heart Wishes Foundation.


Giulio is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Hartford and a member of the Connecticut Society of CPAs for over 40 years.

Jack Hurewitz CTO & Director

Guilio Cessario, Treasurer & Director

Guilio Cessario, Treasurer & Director

Jack Hurewitz is currently earning his bachelor of science degree at Carnegie Mellon University, triple majoring in Statistics & Machine Learning, Computer Science, and Decision Science.


Jack is a member of Carnegie Mellon's Academic Review Board and University Disciplinary Committee.  He co-heads Students Prioritizing Effective Argumentation and Knowledge (SPEAK) and was selected for the Technology Committee for Scotty Labs. 


Jack is a National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation recipient.  

Our Partners

Heart Wishes Foundation non-profit status

  

Heart Wishes Foundation Inc. is a Florida non-profit corporation exempt from federal income taxes under section 501( c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Identification Number ( EIN) 99-0389262

Heart Wishes Foundation

97 South St., Ste. 114 West Hartford, CT 06110

support@heartwishesfoundation.org

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