H E A R T F E S T

Est. 2010

 

FOUNDERS

Our founders, Heidi and Chris Todd, started this organization after their daughter, Elizabeth, was diagnosed and born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, also known as HLHS. HLHS is a type of Congenital Heart Defect (CHD).

OUR MISSION

It is the mission of Heartfest, Inc. to provide funding for dedicated research on the cause and prevention of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) and support initiatives that extend and enrich the lives of children born with CHD.

EVENTS

Throughout the year, Heartfest has many fundraising events, such as our annual HEARTFEST. You are able to donate year-round through our website and by mail.

RESEARCH

So far, Heartfest, Inc. has helped to fund multiple research projects in which we have:

  • Partnered with Dr. Bernhard Kuhn in development of protein therapy to regenerate human heart cells which help strengthen weak areas of the human heart. Our goal is to improve surgical outcomes and potentially prolong the amount of time between surgeries or before a child needs surgery. Since Heartfest’s investment in 2018, this has moved into clinical trials.

  • Provided funding to Dr. Tom Diacovo to develop a version of an anti-clotting medication, Cangrelor. For years, heart surgery has been performed on babies diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The surgery could have been flawless but if the baby has a problem with clotting in the hours immediately following, they risk throwing a blood clot and dying. Cangrelor can be administered immediately following surgery to prevent clotting and save the lives of precious heart patients as they recover from surgery. Since Heartfest’s investment in 2019, this has moved to clinical trials.

  • Awarded philanthropic support to Dr. Anita Saraf who is working to understand hypoplastic left heart syndrome at the molecular level to better predict and prevent heart failure in adult patients. Our hope is that by understanding what causes hypoplastic left heart syndrome we may better understand he long-term risks for patients so that we may mitigate adverse outcomes.

HEART CAMP

Heartfest contributes to the Dr. Bill Neche Heart Camp for Kids every year to help children with Congenital Heart Defects share their experiences with one another and form life long friendships.

FOLLOW US

We are on all social media platforms, @HEARTFESTINC. You can click the icons above and below to take you right to our pages, that way you can keep up with the latest Heartfest updates.