abbott-achieves-most-heart-shaped-hand-gestures-made-simultaneously

To draw attention to their initiative Little Heroes and raise awareness for congenital heart disease, Abbott EMEA Structural Heart (Belgium) broke the record for most people making heart-shaped hand gestures online simultaneously with 399 employees taking part. 

Abbott is a global healthcare company that researches and develops technologies for people of all ages, including newborns and children, with heart problems.

Through the Little Heroes initiative, Abbott partners with organizations and physicians dedicated to giving these children the best possible treatment.

heart shaped hand gestures are made virtually

The record attempt was also part of an employee engagement event, occurring during the annual kick-off meeting for Abbott employees in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

According to studies, more than 1 million babies worldwide are born with serious heart defects and 9 out of 10 children are living in countries without access to specialized care.

abbott structural heart employee be bold

In order to connect all of their employees in Europe, Middle East and Africa, the record attempt was conducted through a hybrid approach, with a central coordination from a studio and employees joining in on an online platform.

After the start signal from the Guinness World Records adjudicator, all participants made hand gestures simultaneously to the camera connected to the main venue via online conferencing software.

participants make hand gestures via video platform

For the attempt to be valid, all participants needed to hold the heart hand gesture for 30 seconds.

most heart shaped hand gestures record takes place

The record attempt was successful beating the previous record of 265 set in China, setting a new record of 399.

I’m proud that our Abbott team was able to shine a spotlight on congenital heart disease through the seemingly simple act of making heart-shaped hand gestures. Through this Guinness World Records title attempt and our Little Heroes initiative, Abbott is committed to supporting children who are born with structural heart conditions so they can reach their full potential. - Alfredo Armengol, divisional vice president of Abbott’s structural heart business in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Abbott awarded Guinness World Records certificate

The heart-shaped gesture represents the commitment to newborns and children with heart problems who Abbott EMEA Structural Heart also supports with their Little Heroes initiative.

Abbott's Little Heroes programme provides technologies to children who suffer from serious heart defects and additional support for families that do not have access to healthcare. 

Abbott little hereos charity

Abbott also partners with organizations and healthcare professionals dedicated to providing these children with the best possible treatment so that they have the opportunity to grow and reach their potential.

"Despite congenital heart defects being the most common birth defects in the world, more can still be done to promote awareness and education about them," said Hugues Gervais, divisional vice president of global marketing of Abbott's structural heart business. "With our technological innovations, clinical leadership and community partnerships, Abbott is dedicated to restoring health and improve quality of life for people of all ages."

Through this Guinness World Records title, Abbott hopes to spread awareness of congenital heart diseases and remind employees about their overall company purpose and values.

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