Mission Statement
HeartGift provides life-saving congenital heart defect surgery to children from around the world where specialized medical treatment is either scarce or nonexistent. Established in 2000, the foundation has served more than 1,000 children, in over 36 countries.
One million children are born globally each year with a congenital heart defect, making it the most common type of birth defect. Only 10% of the world’s children have access to appropriate medical care. Congenital heart diseases are approximately 60 times more prevalent than a childhood cancer diagnosis. Without care, many of these children will not live to see their next birthday. HeartGift was founded to address this disparity of care.
“I give, so children from all over the world have the chance to grow up healthy and just be kids again.”– Bret Sanders, Houston Board Member
Vision
The vision of HeartGift is a world where children born with congenital heart defects have access to the surgical repair they need regardless of where they live.
History
HeartGift’s purpose is to provide the necessary surgery including funds, coordination of care, and medical services for children with congenital heart defects (CHD) living in countries where specialized medical treatments is scarce or nonexistent. Established in June of 2000, HeartGift began its work in Austin, Texas and now has additional service locations in Houston, Louisiana, and San Antonio, and partnerships around the globe. HeartGift has now served over 1,000 children and families from 36 countries.
How HeartGift Works
Around the world, HeartGift has forged partnerships with non-governmental organizations to enable patient referrals. Participating organizations offer medical diagnosis and care, and sometimes travel coordination.
All participating physicians and medical partners contribute 100% of their professional fees and services resulting in millions of dollars in medical in-kind donations.
HeartGift staff and volunteers coordinate travel and temporary housing arrangements, meals, translator services, entertainment and other needs. The most critically ill are brought to the United States for care at one of our partner hospitals. Children are also served closer to their homes through HeartGift’s medical partnerships around the world.
You can help us save lives
With your support we will continue to save precious lives, one HeartGift at a time.