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1-21-2026 3:13pm
New England Patriots Veteran Matthew Slater Hosts Mass General Fundraiser in Westwood to Combat Rheumatic Heart Disease
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Photo by Jeffrey Beall, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Pictured is Matthew Slater, veteran of the New England Patriots.
Matthew Slater, the long-serving New England Patriots captain now retired, will be at Mercedes-Benz of Westwood on Thursday, January 22nd, as host of the One World, One Heart cocktail party fundraiser to benefit the Mass General Global Cardiovascular Health Program and its work to combat rheumatic heart disease in Cape Verde.
Community leaders, healthcare advocates, and sports fans are invited to attend from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in support of the prevention and treatment of rheumatic heart disease. The often-deadly condition disproportionately affects underserved communities. All proceeds will benefit the Mass General Global Cardiovascular Health Program’s work in Cape Verde, advancing education, early detection, and access to life-saving care.
“Rheumatic heart disease is preventable, yet it continues to take lives,” said Mr. Slater. “This event is about coming together – with one heart – to support solutions that bring healing, help, and hope to communities that need it most.”
Guests will enjoy Cape Verdean cuisine and a raffle, and speakers include Mr. Slater along with Dr. Shahrzad Slater, a pathologist and founder and executive director of the Slater Family Foundation, cardiologists Dr. Dorreen DeFaria and Dr. Oyere Onuma, and a Cape Verdean patient.
To learn more and RSVP visit: 2026 One World, One Heart: A Benefit to End Rheumatic Heart Disease in Cape Verde - Campaign.
Thanks to Mass General Global Cardiovasular Health for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.
