Why Research

Placing Children at the Heart of Research

The Children’s Heart Foundation exists for one reason: to fund the most promising congenital heart defect (CHD) research. Our vision is a world in which everyone born with a congenital heart defect has the chance to live a long, healthy life, and that eventually, CHDs will be eradicated altogether. With the help of our volunteers and supporters, we are making great progress. 

Because of continued research into CHDs, scientists are:

Research funded by The Children’s Heart Foundation is saving lives and has already improved survival rates, longevity, and quality of life for CHD patients in dramatic and life-changing ways. In the past two decades, death rates from congenital heart defects have dropped by 37.5 percent. As a result, the Foundation is now supporting research on the developmental, transitional, and lifelong care needs affecting the millions of Americans with CHDs who are living longer lives than ever before. 

Watch the video below to see an example of the impact our research has had on the field.

Our 2023 Annual Report shares details on our research funding efforts and other ways we are working toward a world in which everyone born with a CHD can live a long and healthy life. Read the Annual Report here.


Stories like these inspire us to continue funding research and looking for answers:

Is CHD research important to you and your family? Share your story with us.