About Us

Hannah's Story

Hannah was our little warrior. Born with a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, she faced challenges from the moment she took her first breath. She underwent her Norwood procedure but not without complications and there began her first ever ECMO Run. Hannah recovered and we brought her home to enjoy.

Keeping her healthy enough to undergo her hemi-fontan procedure (the second procedure within the series) proved to also be a challenge. We brought her in for a pre-hemi catheter procedure and she underwent another 10 days on ECMO.

A few months later Hannah had her Hemi-Fontan procedure and we had the most blissful three months at home before our life was forever changed again. Hannah got sick and had three cardiac arrests. These arrests impacted her function.

Unfortunately, her function never recovered and we were transferred to another facility for a transplant work up. Hannah had two additional cardiac arrests and remained on ECMO until her donor heart arrived. On ECMO, she faced many challenges, but we got to also see her thrive. During her 172 day wait, she learned 30+ plus words and signs, learned to walk, went on many wagon rides and also played with her big sister.

On Day 172, we received the news that they found a donor heart that was a match. She underwent her transplant procedure without complications and was finally off ECMO. Just a few short days later, the new heart began to struggle. Hannah was placed back on ECMO and the longest three weeks of our lives began. Each and every time a doctor stepped into Hannah's room, they gave us life altering news. Unfortunately, Hannah passed at 22 months and 1 day old only 21 days after her heart transplant.

Hannah's time with us was brief, but her courage and spirit continue to inspire. Through Hope for Hearts, we honor her memory by offering the support and resources we wished we had during her journey.

Her story is not just about struggle, but about the strength of families, the kindness of strangers, and the unwavering hope that one day, things will get better. Today, we continue her legacy by helping families who are experiencing similar battles—so they don’t have to face it alone.

Mission

Hope for Hearts is dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and assisting in funding research for children and families affected by congenital heart defects and transplants. Through compassion and advocacy, we strive to ensure that every heart has a chance to thrive, and no one faces cardiac challenges alone. We honor the resilience of those with heart conditions and their families. We are dedicated to educating families about early diagnosis, providing support for the whole family, and fostering lasting hope for healthier hearts.

Vision

We envision a world where every family impacted by heart disease and transplants feels supported, connected, and empowered to navigate their journey with hope.

Hannah's Gift of Hope Recipients

We are honored to stand with families facing CHD and transplant journeys. These are our current families benefiting from Hannah’s Gift of Hope. Curious how past families have been touched by Hannah’s Gift of Hope? Read their messages of gratitude to our donors on our past families page.

Dior

“This help allows me to see Dior more. Missing work has been hard, and this support helps with gas and bills. Without reliable transportation, getting to my child is difficult. You have given me hope by helping with bills and allowing me to get back and forth to see my child. Thank you so much, this truly means a lot as I work to get back to work after missing so many days to be with my child. You were a big help, and I appreciate you so much.” — Dior’s Family

Maesyn

“I’m a single mom of four beautiful kids, one of which is my Heart Warrior. I have no income right now, so this support is very helpful in ensuring I can care for my children and stay close to Maesyn while he goes through this journey. Thank you for thinking of a single parent trying to advocate for their Heart Warrior while also being a parent to healthy children. This helps a lot and eases financial stress. Thank you so much.” — Maesyn’s Family

Sanson

“When I received a phone call while I was at work and learned that a social worker had put our name in the running, I had no words at first. It is still hard to find the words because of the unexpected journey we’ve been through. It is touching to know that while you are going through the ups and downs of life, someone heard your story and thought about how they could help, even though we’ve never met. Thank you for thinking of us.” —Sanson’s Family

Maxiann

“As parents, you will do anything you can to give your child the medical care they need. I am so appreciative of those who donate to help relieve some of the financial strain that families of Heart Warriors face. Thank you.” — MaxieAnn’s Family

Evelyn

“Hope for Hearts has truly been a light for our family during one of the hardest chapters of our lives. Receiving support gives us not only financial relief, but also a deep sense of being seen and cared for. That support gives us hope, hope for brighter days and strength to keep moving forward. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your generosity makes a real difference for our family and reminds us that love and compassion still shine even in the hardest times. Because of you, we feel hope, relief, and encouragement to keep going for Evelyn. You may not realize it, but your kindness is helping families like ours breathe a little easier and believe in miracles.” — Evelyn’s Family

14 Year Old Boy

“God bless your kindness! I’ve always been one to help others and I believe if your kind and helpful in this world that it will be paid back when needed. I truly appreciate you!” - 14 year olds family

Josephine

“Your financial help and understanding take a bit of the burden off of families’ shoulders, and that is everything. Thank you so much for being a part of Josephine’s village.”

— Josephine’s Family

Hudson

“We wish we could thank you in person and find words to express our gratitude. We are beyond blessed and thankful for everything you do. Your support has been a light for our family during this challenging time.” — Hudson’s Family

10 week Baby Girl

"We are so grateful and thankful for Hope for Hearts’ support during this difficult time. The help we receive will go directly toward our baby’s care. She has a long road ahead. Thank you, and God bless you for the kindness shown to our family and so many others.” -Baby Girls Family

Impact, Advocacy & Action

Hannah's Favorites Drive

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community! Thanks to your support, Hannah’s Favorites Drive is making a heartfelt impact on pediatric cardiac patients and we’re just getting started.

We had the privilege of delivering your donations to Sanford Health and Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Because of you, we were able to share 288 books, 73 Tonie Characters, 6 Tonie Boxes, 3 Tonie cases and 63 lovies!

These items are already bringing comfort and joy to children in the cardiac units. Your kindness is truly making a difference!

Hannah’s Legacy Through Stories and Music

We’re honored to share a recent milestone in our mission to bring comfort and joy to children facing extended hospital stays. Through a generous grant from Tonies, we were able to donate 2 Tonieboxes, 14 Tonies characters, and 4 headphones to the Avera pediatric unit. This provides young patients with engaging stories, soothing songs, and a sense of peace during incredibly challenging moments.

Thanks to the kindness of an amazing private donor, we were also able to expand this donation with 2 additional Tonieboxes, further enhancing the impact at Avera and reaching even more children in need of comfort.

The same grant also made it possible to donate 8 headphones to Sanford Children’s Hospital. With these additions, even more children at Sanford can now enjoy the full Tonies experience, turning hospital rooms into spaces filled with imagination and calm.

Tonies held a special place in our hearts during Hannah’s time in the ICU. They brought her peace, learning, and a gentle escape through sound. We are grateful to now share that same gift with other families navigating the journey of congenital heart defects and transplants.

Thank you to Tonies, our incredible donor, and all who support this mission. Together, we’re continuing Hannah’s legacy; one story, one song, and one smile at a time.

Supporting Research

Thank you to everyone who walked with Team Hannah and supported CHD research through The Children's Heart Foundation. Your steps, your presence, and your visits to our booth mean the world not just to us, but to every child and family impacted by congenital heart disease. Together, we’re bringing hope for hearts.

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