The Children's Heart Foundation

The Children's Heart Foundation Funding the most promising congenital heart defect research so that Heart Warriors everywhere can live longer, healthier lives.
(1)

The Children's Heart Foundation was founded in 1996 and is the country's leading organization solely dedicated to funding congenital heart defect (CHD) research. Our vision is a world in which everyone born with a congenital heart defect has the chance to live a long, healthy life, and that eventually, CHDs will be eradicated altogether. That's why we are dedicated to funding research to advance t

he diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs. With the help of our volunteers and supporters, we are making great progress. Since The Children's Heart Foundation began funding CHD research more than 25 years ago, survival rates, longevity, and quality of life have dramatically improved for CHD patients. Because of this, The Children's Heart Foundation has added important research focus on developmental, transitional, and long term care needs affecting the millions of Americans with CHDs who now live longer lives. The research we fund positively impacts all CHD patients.

For 30 years, The Children’s Heart Foundation has shown that investing in research saves lives. ❤️ As more children with...
04/24/2026

For 30 years, The Children’s Heart Foundation has shown that investing in research saves lives. ❤️ As more children with congenital heart defects grow into adulthood, the need for research is greater than ever.

In honor of our 30th anniversary, consider making a $30 gift to help fuel the next generation of discoveries and bring hope to every Heart Warrior.

Donate today and be part of what comes next: https://bit.ly/CHFDonation

🌟   Spotlight 🌟Meet Kelly Wittich! She's the incredible volunteer serving as Region Leader of the CHF Midwest Region! ❤ ...
04/23/2026

🌟 Spotlight 🌟
Meet Kelly Wittich! She's the incredible volunteer serving as Region Leader of the CHF Midwest Region! ❤ Kelly is a dedicated volunteer who's contributed to CHF's mission in many ways—from event planning to managing social media, all in honor of her Allison. She currently leads the Foundation’s Midwest Region and has served on the Board of Directors. Kelly also volunteers as a Wish Ambassador for Make-A-Wish Illinois and coordinates Jump Rope for Heart events at a local elementary school.

Meet Gabrielle Leonetti, the volunteer leading the CHF Delaware Valley Region ❤ She shares why she got involved with the...
04/23/2026

Meet Gabrielle Leonetti, the volunteer leading the CHF Delaware Valley Region ❤

She shares why she got involved with the Foundation below:
"I first got involved with The Children’s Heart Foundation by creating a walk team to honor my Heart Warrior, Luke Leonetti. When we learned about Luke’s heart defect in utero, it was an overwhelming shock. At the time, there was so little information available — just some statistics, but no real explanations for the why or how, and no clear path to a cure. He was born with Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) — essentially a large hole in the center of his heart where none of the chambers had properly formed.

By the time Luke was about 1 month old, he went into congestive heart failure and was placed on Digoxin. At just 2.5 months old, he underwent open-heart surgery. Our experience, while incredibly difficult, was also incredibly fortunate. Luke only needed one surgery, and he survived — something I know is not the reality for so many other CHD families.

About a year or two later, a friend asked where they could make a donation in honor of Luke. I started researching different foundations and came across The Children’s Heart Foundation. I was immediately drawn to their mission. Not only did they offer an incredible amount of information about congenital heart defects, but their commitment to funding research gave me hope that one day, families like mine might get answers — and better treatment options — for our heart warriors.

Serving as the Region Leader and a Team Lead for the Delaware Valley has been incredibly rewarding. This year, I’ve been able to support by creating social media content — something I was especially excited to help with as a Marketing Director in my career. It felt natural to lend those skills to a cause so close to my heart.
I’ve also had the opportunity to connect with others, attend events, and help raise awareness for congenital heart defects. I reached out to my son’s pediatrician, who generously made a donation, along with my company, several local connections, and others in the surrounding community." 💕

  Meet Henry! ❤“Henry is our five year-old heart warrior. He has the biggest personality—you can’t help but smile when y...
04/22/2026

Meet Henry! ❤
“Henry is our five year-old heart warrior. He has the biggest personality—you can’t help but smile when you’re around him. He’s funny, smart, sweet, and brave beyond his years. Henry approaches life full throttle, pedal to the metal. Whether he’s playing, learning, or just being himself, he gives everything his all. Henry’s journey began even before he was born when he was diagnosed with congenital heart disease at just 20 weeks in utero, including two defects: coarctation of the aorta and double outlet right ventricle. He was monitored closely throughout the rest of the pregnancy, and at just three days old, he underwent his first open-heart surgery to repair his coarctation of the aorta. Although the surgery was initially successful, Henry faced a life-threatening complication when he went into cardiac arrest after coming off the bypass machine. At only three days old, he was placed on ECMO life support. After several days on ECMO, Henry was able to come off, but he still required intense, life-threatening care as his tiny body worked to recover. The next weeks in the ICU were filled with many unforeseen complications, and after 80 days, he was finally able to come home. Even then, he was closely monitored as he awaited his second major surgery. At nine months old, Henry underwent his final repair to address his double outlet right ventricle. Despite all these challenges, Henry overcame so much in his first year of life. His strength, patience, and resilience as a baby inspired us to keep fighting for him. He showed us what it truly means to be strong and brave, and we drew our strength from his. Now, he is thriving in kindergarten, loves riding his quad and practicing karate!” ~ Kelly Maguire, Henry’s Mom

🌟   Spotlight 🌟Meet Marissa Hyde, the volunteer region leader of CHF's Pacific Northwest Region! ❤"I am currently the re...
04/22/2026

🌟 Spotlight 🌟
Meet Marissa Hyde, the volunteer region leader of CHF's Pacific Northwest Region! ❤

"I am currently the region leader for the Pacific NW. I am working to restart our region council help support our walk. I am a Heart Angel mom to Liam, who was born in 2016 with . He passed away at 12 days old. I became involved with the foundation about a year later.

My involvement has allowed me to connect with so many families and find support navigating this journey. I have been able to spread awareness about CHD’s in my community. The foundation has also helped me teach my 3 heart healthy children about their brother’s heart and give them a safe place to honor him. In the little spare time I have between mom duties and pharmacy school I play women’s ice hockey!"

🌟   Spotlight 🌟Meet Traci Hays, our volunteer region leader of the CHF SoCal - Hawaii Region! ❤Connection to the Cause:"...
04/21/2026

🌟 Spotlight 🌟
Meet Traci Hays, our volunteer region leader of the CHF SoCal - Hawaii Region! ❤

Connection to the Cause:
"I was born with a rare congenital heart defect called Transposition of the Great Vessels and entered the world fighting. Just days after I was born, I underwent the first of three open-heart surgeries at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. The procedure was performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Vaughn Starnes, using the pioneering Jatene Procedure—a technique he had only successfully performed five times before. My second surgery came when I was four, after a portable EKG detected cardiac arrhythmia. The third followed years later, after I collapsed during a high school soccer game. For over a decade, I’ve channeled those early challenges into storytelling, directing studio-distributed feature films that explore resilience, identity, and the strength of the human spirit. Today, I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving, back on the field playing soccer in a women’s rec league in Los Angeles."

Leadership Role and Impact:
"I’m deeply honored to serve as a Region Leader for The Children’s Heart Foundation. From participating in the annual Los Angeles Congenital Heart Walk at Griffith Park to attending monthly meetings, recruiting volunteers, and raising awareness through social media, this work is deeply personal to me. With my background in the entertainment industry, I’m actively working to engage high-profile actors and crew to help amplify our mission and bring greater visibility to congenital heart defects here in Los Angeles."

04/20/2026

Meet Dr. Nancy Ghanayem, Professor of Pediatrics, Chief of Critical Care Medicine at the University of Chicago and Comer Children’s Hospital, and Medical Director of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Advocate Children’s Hospital. As Chair of The Children’s Heart Foundation’s Medical Advisory Council, Dr. Ghanayem helps guide our research funding process with her expertise and dedication. ❤️

Watch as she shares what being part of the Medical Advisory Council means to her and how funding from The Children’s Heart Foundation has impacted her own research career!

Today marks the start of  ! 💕 Our volunteers are the HEART of The Children's Heart Foundation. To the thousands of dedic...
04/19/2026

Today marks the start of ! 💕 Our volunteers are the HEART of The Children's Heart Foundation. To the thousands of dedicated volunteers across the country, know that YOU are the reason we are able to carry out our mission. We're grateful for you, this week and always!

Did you know that there are many ways to   with The Children’s Heart Foundation?!❤️ Are you looking for an ongoing oppor...
04/17/2026

Did you know that there are many ways to with The Children’s Heart Foundation?!

❤️ Are you looking for an ongoing opportunity to engage as a volunteer? Joining a Region Council may be just what you are looking for!

❤️ Do you want to help plan a fundraiser or event? Joining a Congenital Heart Walk, Gala, or other event Planning Committee would be a great fit!

❤️ Is your time limited and you only have a few hours available to give? Being a day of event volunteer could be right for you!

We're looking for volunteers in all areas and locations! We would LOVE to have you join our team as we work to raise funds and awareness for critical CHD research. Email us at info@childrensheartfoundation.org for more information.

  Beth Sewell is an amazing   and volunteer who is the Chair of the Birmingham Congenital Heart Walk committee. ❤When as...
04/16/2026

Beth Sewell is an amazing and volunteer who is the Chair of the Birmingham Congenital Heart Walk committee. ❤

When asked, "How do you use your voice, platform, or expertise to make an impact?", she shared: "I use my voice by sharing Maddie’s story and helping raise awareness about congenital heart defects and the importance of research. When people hear a personal story, it helps them understand that CHDs are not just statistics—they are real children, real families, and real lives.

Through my involvement with The Children’s Heart Foundation, I work to encourage others in our community to learn about CHDs, support research, and participate in events like the Heart Walk. Whether it’s speaking with families, helping organize events, or simply sharing our journey, my goal is always the same: to bring hope, raise awareness, and help ensure that future families have even better outcomes than we did 19 years ago."

"Some moments change your life forever. 🤍At 12 weeks pregnant, we learned something was wrong with our son Sebastian’s h...
04/15/2026

"Some moments change your life forever. 🤍

At 12 weeks pregnant, we learned something was wrong with our son Sebastian’s heart—and everything shifted. What followed was a journey of uncertainty, strength, and a level of love we never knew existed.

Sebastian was born with multiple complex congenital heart defects and underwent full heart reconstruction surgery at just five days old. Today, he is a thriving heart warrior—and the reason behind everything I do.

As Mrs. California United Crown of America 2026, my platform is rooted in raising awareness for congenital heart defects and supporting heart warrior families. This is more than a title—it’s personal. It’s our story.

Our journey showed us the power of medical advocacy, research, and community. It’s why I am so passionate about supporting organizations like The Children’s Heart Foundation, who are working to change outcomes for children born with CHD.

CHD is not rare. It’s not simple. And it doesn’t end after one surgery. But with continued research, awareness, and support—we can create better futures for heart warriors and their families.

We share our story in gratitude and hope. 🤍"

Read more: https://bit.ly/4coyO8d

Calling all schools & super students! 🎉 Are you ready to "Change a Heart?" 💖 Participate in our Change My Heart program ...
04/14/2026

Calling all schools & super students! 🎉 Are you ready to "Change a Heart?" 💖 Participate in our Change My Heart program and make a BIG difference for children with congenital heart defects! Whether you're a parent or a teacher, this is the perfect way to inspire kids to give back, build community spirit, and maybe even spark a little friendly class competition!

When you sign up, we’ll send you a fundraising toolkit packed with:
🫙 Collection jar stickers
📝 “Change Their Future” cards
🏅 Certificates
📈 Donation thermometer
✏️ Pencils for your class!

Let’s make change together — one heart at a time! 💕 Click here for more information and to fill out the interest form: https://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/get-involved/change-my-heart-school-information.html

Address

5 Revere Drive One Northbrook Place Suite 200
Northbrook, IL
60062

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Children's Heart Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to The Children's Heart Foundation:

Share