MEDIA INQUIRIES
We welcome media inquiries and the opportunity to increase awareness about The Children's Heart Foundation, congenital heart defects (CHDs), the Congenital Heart Walk series, and our 30th anniversary milestone. For more information, event photographs, logos, expert interviews, child and family stories, and other resources, please contact our Marketing Department:
Email: Lauren DeVoe at ldevoe@childrensheartfoundation.org
Phone: 847-504-8737 (Ext 105)
ABOUT CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS (CHDs)
What are CHDs?
- Congenital heart defects, or CHDs, are structural problems with the heart present at birth that affect how the heart functions. There are many types of CHDs, which can affect the heart's lining, blood vessels, chambers, and valves.
By the Numbers:
- CHDs are the most common birth defect in the United States, affecting nearly 1 in every 110 babies born—equivalent to a baby born with a CHD every 15 minutes, or approximately 40,000 babies each year in the U.S. alone
- CHDs are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths
- Approximately 25% of children born with a CHD will need heart surgery or other interventions in their first year of life to survive
- Though 85% of babies born with a CHD now live to at least age 18, children born with more critical forms of CHDs are less likely to reach adulthood
Lifelong Impact:
- Surgery can help repair some defects, but many individuals with CHDs require additional operation(s) and/or medication throughout their lifetime
- CHD patients may face lifelong health challenges including growth and eating issues, developmental delays, difficulty with exercise, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest, or stroke
- About 20% to 30% of individuals with CHD have other birth defects or genetic disorders
- There are an estimated 2 to 3 million Americans currently living with CHDs—a population that continues to grow thanks to medical advances
ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S HEART FOUNDATION
Our Mission:
The mission of The Children's Heart Foundation is to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects by funding the most promising research.
Our History:
Founded in 1996, The Children's Heart Foundation is celebrating 30 years as the nation's leading organization solely dedicated to funding congenital heart defect research. The Congenital Heart Walk series is CHF's primary fundraising platform, bringing together heart families, survivors, and supporters nationwide.
Our Impact:
- Since 1996, CHF has funded nearly $20 million in CHD research and scientific collaborations
- Our research funding spans:
- Independently-funded research grants
- Joint-funding partnerships with the American Heart Association
- Multi-network data sharing and benchmarking with Cardiac Networks United
- CHD research fellowship awards with the American Academy of Pediatrics
Research That Changes Lives:
- CHF-funded research has significantly increased survival rates, longevity, and quality of life for CHD patients
- Survival rates have dramatically improved over the past 30 years—thanks to breakthrough treatments and surgical advances funded by CHF
- Because of this research, children with CHDs are living longer, healthier lives and celebrating more birthdays, milestones, and dreams fulfilled
Current Research Priorities:
As survival rates and longevity increase, CHF is funding research in critical emerging areas:
- Advanced diagnostics and early detection
- Prevention strategies
- Minimally invasive and interventional procedures
- Less invasive surgical techniques
- Transitional care (pediatric to adult care)
- Developmental, mental health, and cognitive assessments and interventions
- Long-term care for adults living with congenital heart defects
- Quality of life improvements across the lifespan
Collaborative Approach:
The Children's Heart Foundation fosters cross-institutional collaboration between investigators and data-sharing initiatives that maximize resources, sample sizes, and research efforts—helping to accelerate progress in the fight against congenital heart defects.
Looking Ahead:
As we celebrate 30 years of life-saving research, CHF remains committed to funding the breakthroughs that will give the next generation of Heart Warriors even brighter futures.
QUICK FACTS FOR MEDIA
Organization:
- Name: The Children's Heart Foundation
- Founded: 1996 (celebrating 30 years in 2026)
- Mission: Fund research to advance diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs
- Primary fundraising: Congenital Heart Walk series (nationwide events)
- Research funding: Nearly $20 million since 1996
Congenital Heart Defects:
- Most common birth defect in the U.S.
- 1 in 110 babies affected
- 40,000 babies born with CHD annually in the U.S.
- One baby born with a CHD every 15 minutes in the U.S.
- Leading cause of birth defect-related deaths
- 2-3 million Americans currently living with CHDs
Contact: