Ma Hila’s Heart Children’s Cancer Foundation Announces New President and Chief Executive Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Antonio, Texas February 14,2024 — Ma Hila’s Heart Children’s Cancer Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families battling childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer, within our community.  The organization’s founder, Gloria Benavidez-Rodriguez, and esteemed Board of Directors, announce the appointment of Jason Massiatte as its new President & CEO. 

Jason’s extensive track record of achievements, including his instrumental role in driving Beltman / Ward North American Van Lines to a remarkable increase in annual profits through his strategic initiatives. His leadership skills were further underscored by his distinction as Valedictorian of the Alexander Briseno Leadership Development Program, and his selection for Leadership San Antonio Class 47.

Massiatte joins the organization with a strong commitment to community service as evident through his significant contributions, having served, on the Board of Directors for esteemed organizations such as the American Red Cross South Central Texas, Social Venture Partners San Antonio, and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Recently, he was honored by Leukemia Lymphoma Society for his outstanding dedication to their cause by becoming this year’s Visionary for the 2024 campaign.

Jason holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Incarnate Word.

“Drawing upon his extensive background as a distinguished corporate executive and his longstanding dedication to community service, Jason brings a distinctive blend of high-level business acumen and heartfelt commitment for service. This exceptional combination equips Jason to lead Ma Hila’s Heart Children’s Cancer Foundation into its next phase of growth and influence, guaranteeing a profound and enduring impact on the families we serve,” said Gloria Benavidez Rodriguez.

In a recent interview, Jason expressed his admiration for Ma Hila’s Heart and its profound impact on families facing the toughest battles of their lives. He highlighted the remarkable achievements of the founder, Gloria Benavidez-Rodriguez, in just 4 ½ years. Under her leadership, Ma Hila’s Heart has assembled a distinguished Board of Directors, developed effective programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of families, and garnered the trust of all three childhood cancer hospitals in San Antonio.

“I have watched and been part of the decision-making process for almost as long as Ma Hila’s Heart has been established as a nonprofit 501c3. I loved being part of it so much that I opted to renew my term as a Board member with the board approval. Most recently, I served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Ma Hila’s Heart. I have seen first-hand what it means to a family that is in the fight of their lives to receive a $500 gift card for gas and groceries, because they are now a one-income family and Mom is mostly living in the hospital with their child. There are hundreds of stories like this, each unique…stories of impact for good by Ma Hila’s Heart. As the newly appointed President & CEO of Ma Hila’s Heart, I look forward to bringing my decades of corporate experience together with my passion for nonprofit service, to grow the beautiful work of Ma Hila’s Heart. I share in the excitement of the Board of Directors, and our Founder, as we continue to grow impacts for these most deserved families battling childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer,” said Massiatte.

About Ma Hila’s Heart Children’s Cancer Foundation

Ma Hila’s Heart Children’s Cancer Foundation, a leading San Antonio nonprofit, supports families battling childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer. Family-focused and community-driven, we’re adjunct partners with Bexar County’s three childhood cancer hospitals: University, Children’s Methodist, and Christus. We exclusively accept referrals from these hospitals. Our three programs cater to families at different stages: Blessings Way for those in the fight, Heavens Way for those facing end-of-life care, and Survivors Way for conquerors. Since July 2019, we’ve aided 375+ families, fulfilling specific needs like rent, utilities, medical bills, laptops, and groceries.

New Initiatives

Expanding our impact, Ma Hila’s Heart Children’s Cancer Foundation introduces three new initiatives:

1. Resource Library: Tailored support materials for families.
2. Mental Health Support: Addressing holistic needs.
3. Advocacy: Championing families at all levels of government. Under Jason Massiatte’s leadership, we’ve made strides in advocacy, recently engaging officials in Washington DC. These initiatives reinforce our commitment to supporting families battling childhood cancer comprehensively.

These new initiatives underscore our unwavering dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of families battling childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer, ensuring they receive the comprehensive support and advocacy they deserve.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jason Massiatte
President and Chief Executive Officer
Ma Hila’s Heart Children’s Cancer Foundation
Phone: 512-698-5578
Email: jason@mahilasheart.org
www.mahilasheart.org