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We're advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of America's most common birth defect - congenital heart defects.❤️
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Surgical techniques and treatments for babies born with congenital heart defects (#CHDs) have come a long way, and research has made that progress possible. 🔬❤️

For 30 years, The Children’s Heart Foundation has funded research that helps create better treatments, better outcomes, and brighter futures for those born with CHDs.

Right now, you can help determine how much more research we’re able to fund this year. Every gift made by September 30 increases the resources available for our 2026 research awards.

Help us invest in the discoveries that could change what’s possible for the next generation of #HeartWarriors:  https://bit.ly/CHDBreakthrough by @thechf
7
a month ago
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Tomorrow is the first day of #HeartMonth ❤️
As The Children’s Heart Foundation celebrates 30 years of impact, we’re reflecting on how far we’ve come. Thirty years ago, CHD research faced limited funding and unanswered questions. Treatment options were fewer, and long-term outcomes were not well understood. The Children’s Heart Foundation was founded to change that, by committing to one clear mission: to fund research that expands knowledge, improves outcomes, and builds futures full of hope for children and families everywhere. 

Take a moment to watch and share this video to help spread awareness of congenital heart defects and the urgent need for continued research. 🫶💖 by @thechf
4
8 months ago
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Today is World Mental Health Day. Beyond health and medical issues, many people living with congenital heart defects (#CHDs) may experience psychological and social challenges from infancy through adulthood. This includes anxiety, PTSD, and more. Because of this, The Children's Heart Foundation is funding more research on the mental well-being of those impacted by CHDs. ❤

#WorldMentalHealthDay #CHDAwareness #CHDs #CHDwarrior #TheCHF #mentalhealth by @thechf
0
13 hours ago
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Sixteen years ago, Kerriann's son, Fisher, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a severe congenital heart defect. Nicknamed "The Big Fish" for his fierce determination, Fisher endured three major heart surgeries and a transplant before passing away shortly after his fourth birthday.

A former medical researcher, Kerriann found hope in the Children's Heart Foundation and its commitment to pediatric heart research. She now carries Fisher's memory in everything she does, driven to run for children who cannot.

To mark Fisher's 16th birthday and her own 50th, Kerriann is running the 2026 New York City Marathon. Arriving on the anniversary of his passing, she runs to honor his legacy and raise vital support for heart families. 

Read more & support here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/20tcnycitmar/account/2375702/ by @thechf
0
3 days ago
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#WarriorWednesday Meet Traci Hays! She's a #HeartWarrior and our volunteer region leader of the CHF SoCal - Hawaii Region! ❤

"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.

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."

📷 @joshtelles by @thechf
5
3 days ago
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Baker was a fighter from the very beginning. ❤️ Diagnosed before birth with Critical Pulmonary Stenosis, Baker’s short life was filled with extraordinary love, strength, and a family who treasured every moment they had with him.

On May 8, 2025, after weeks of procedures, open-heart surgery, and time on ECMO, Baker passed away. Through unimaginable loss, his parents carry profound gratitude for the time they were given with their son.

“This season of life taught us what a precious gift that time is. We are forever grateful to be Baker’s parents.”

#pregnancyandinfantlossawareness #chdawareness #heartangel #chdstories #heartwarrior #infantloss by @thechf
5
5 days ago
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❤️ Coming Soon: Heart by Heart Wednesdays ❤️

Congenital heart defects are more than diagnoses. Behind every CHD is a heart, a family, and a story.

As Mrs. United America 2026 and a heart warrior mom, CHD awareness and advocacy are deeply personal to me. That’s why I’m excited to introduce Heart by Heart Wednesdays, a weekly educational series dedicated to learning about congenital heart defects.

❤️ Each Wednesday, we’ll focus on ONE CHD at a time, exploring what it is, how it affects the heart, treatment options, key facts, and the real stories behind the diagnosis.

I’m also honored to highlight the incredible work and research of The Children’s Heart Foundation throughout this journey.

We’ll begin with a CHD that changed my family’s life forever: Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV). ❤️

Know the defect. Know the story. Know the heart.

❤️👑 See you on Wednesdays!

#HeartByHeartWednesdays #MrsUnitedAmerica2026 #CHDAwareness #CongenitalHeartDefects #HeartWarrior HeartMom CHDResearch ChildrensHeartFoundation taken in California by @thechf
18
5 days ago
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#MissionMonday Meet Mariana Casa de Vito, one of the recipients of The Children’s Heart Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship for Researchers Committed to Advancing CHD Research in Underrepresented Communities! ❤

Mariana s investigating how targeting mitochondrial dysfunction could lead to more accessible treatments for children with complex CHDs. The scholarship will provide critical support for her training and research as she works toward a career developing equitable, pediatric-specific therapies, particularly those who may have limited access to advanced heart failure care.

Please join us in congratulating Mariana and celebrating her commitment to advancing CHD research! by @thechf
0
6 days ago
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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 by @thechf
1
7 days ago
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Join us as we walk in 9 cities this month! Our Congenital Heart Walk is coming to:

🤠 Dallas
🍑 Atlanta
🌰 Columbus
🏔️ Salt Lake City
🌲 Oregon
🌴 Charleston
⚡ Tampa
☀️ Phoenix
🛢️ Tulsa

Register to be part of the nation's largest walk series dedicated to raising funds and awareness for congenital heart defect research: http://chfwalk.org by @thechf
6
9 days ago
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Check out this interview with Columbus Congenital Heart Walk committee members Chelsea Skaggs and Ashley Hofacre on Columbus Living! Listen to their conversation about our Heart Angels and Heart Warriors, the work we've done for the last 3 decades, and why there’s still so much work to be done when it comes to congenital heart defects. 💖👟

#CongenitalHeartDisease #CHDAwareness #congenitalheartwalk by @thechf
2
9 days ago
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October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This month, we honor the lives of the little ones lost too soon, and extend our deepest support to the families who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a baby.

At The Children’s Heart Foundation, we remain committed to funding research that helps prevent and treat congenital heart defects, knowing that our work also touches families who face unimaginable loss. Together, we can continue to raise awareness and find hope for the future, all while remembering the precious lives of the #HeartAngels that remain in our hearts forever. ❤ by @thechf
0
10 days ago
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