“Corazones con Eco” not only relates to the technical term “eco-graph” (Spanish term for ultrasound systems), but also implies the aims of the award when referring to its eco-social aspect. The award, consisting of a Gold Medal and the donation of medical equipment, is sponsored by Siemens Healthcare Spain, the Laboratorio de Ecocardiografía Hospital Clínico San Carlos Madrid, and the Mayo Clinic, and was created to recognize outstanding individuals who dedicate their time to humanitarian projects and contribute to society through humanistic work. After the previous awardees Queen Sofía of Spain and Vicente Ferrer, the jury decided that this time, Claudia Florio Ferrari should be honored.

Being married to the current President of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), Professor Roberto Ferrari, the film director Claudia Ferrari got involved with the work of ESC. When she realized that some of the 52 ESC countries – namely countries in transition – lack adequate treatment of congenital heart disease, she initiated a humanitarian project to promote the treatment of this disease. The new ESC Committee “European Heart for Children” was born. Three steps shall lead to success: (1) Medical missions with the aim to show that congenital heart disease is curable; (2) training programs for physicians, nurses, and technicians; and (3) financial and professional aid for countries in transition, so they can establish their own centers for the proper treatment of congenital heart disease.