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
Gina Werner
Chair
Sons: AJ, Tetralogy of Fallot & Ty, Complete Vascular Ring
Member Since: 2008
Jen Muller
Vice Chair
Daughter: Millie, Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
Member since 2007
Alison Barrick
Communications
Son: Ben, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Member Since: 2010
Kelly Priemesberger
Outreach
Son: Finn, DILV, Aortic Atresia, TGA
Member since 2010
Michelle Jonas
Education
Son: Cooper, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Member Since: 2010
Kelly Olejar
Fundraising