The Children's Heart Foundation (CHF), the nation’s leading organization dedicated solely to funding congenital heart defect (CHD) research, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking three decades of progress, innovation, and hope for children and families affected by CHDs.
Founded in 1996 by Betsy Peterson and Steve Peterson outside of Chicago, The Children’s Heart Foundation was created to address a critical gap in funding for congenital heart defect research. At the time, limited research dollars were dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing the most common birth defect in the United States. The inspiration behind the organization was Sam Peterson, the son of Betsy and Steve, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 8 due to complications from his CHDs.
What began as a grassroots effort to honor Sam's memory has since grown into a nationwide organization supporting the most promising scientific research across the country. Over the past 30 years, CHF has invested more than $21 million in research aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for children and adults living with congenital heart defects.
“Thirty years ago, CHF was founded on the belief that research saves lives—and that belief continues to guide everything we do,” said Terry Morrow, President and CEO of The Children’s Heart Foundation. “Thanks to the dedication of our donors, volunteers, researchers, and families, we’ve helped fuel discoveries that are changing outcomes and giving families more hope for the future.”
As The Children's Heart Foundation looks ahead to its next chapter, the organization remains committed to advancing bold research, fostering collaboration, and accelerating discoveries that will lead to better care and healthier lives for the congenital heart defect community.
Visit our website and social media channels throughout 2026 to learn more about how The Children's Heart Foundation is celebrating 30 years of progress, and to read stories about the researchers, doctors, children, and families who continue to inspire our work.
