Natacha Simpkins has been a small animal veterinarian in Fairfax, VA for more than 20 years.  Natacha and her husband, Todd, have two wonderful children, Madeline and Benjamin.  Prior to birth, Madeline was diagnosed with levo-transposition of the greater vessels and pulmonary atresia.  Madeline underwent a 3 stage surgical repair when she was 10 days, 3 months, and then at 1 year of age.  She is now 14 years old and she just had her pulmonary conduit changed. 

Natacha is so thankful for research in this field as it has impacted her family so greatly. For the past 13 years Natacha has donated to the Children's Heart Foundation. This year she decided to contribute her time and energy as well and became a volunteer.  Natacha and her family feel that CHD research is vital to improve long-term outcomes for children born with CHD.  She is hopeful that continued progress in this field will give other families and their children a bright future.