About


Forty years of caring

MISSION


For those affected by Congenital Heart Disease, Minnesota-based Parents For Heart is a family support group and resource for sound information that empowers parents and guardians to confidently advocate for their child, and find peace of mind amongst a community of support. Since 1975, the group has been made up entirely of family volunteers, all of whom have been affected by CHDs in some way.

While Parents For Heart is not affiliated with any local hospital, the group maintains close ties with each local Children’s Hospital so it can provide outreach and support to families affected by CHD regardless of where their child is receiving care.

1 in 125

Nearly 1 in 125 babies born will have some form of heart defect, making it the most common birth defect.

40,000

In the United States alone, nearly 40,000 babies will be born with a heart defect this year.

1 million

Over 1 million Americans are living with heart defects today.

OUR BOARD


Werner Family

Gina Werner

Chair


Sons: AJ, Tetralogy of Fallot & Ty, Complete Vascular Ring
Member Since: 2008

Muller family

Jen Muller

Vice Chair


Daughter: Millie, Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
Member since 2007

Barrick Family, Parents for Heart board members

Alison Barrick

Communications


Son: Ben, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Member Since: 2010

 

Preimesberger family

Kelly Priemesberger

Outreach


Son: Finn, DILV, Aortic Atresia, TGA
Member since 2010

Jonas Family, member of Parents for Heart board of directors

Michelle Jonas

Education


Son: Cooper, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Member Since: 2010

Millie-boardphoto

Kelly Olejar

Fundraising