You are not alone.

We are a local program of the non-profit Mended Hearts, Inc. As the local DC area program, we are a volunteer-based organization providing hope, help, and healing to kids, adolescents, and their families. While our focus is the DC area, MLH works nationally and in other communities across the US.

 

Guiding Principles

Our Vision: To be the premier nationwide resource and peer-to-peer support network for all patients and families affected by Heart Disease across the life span.

Our Mission: To inspire hope and improve the quality of life of heart patients and their families through on-going peer-to-peer support, education, and advocacy.

Our Educational Statement: To provide patient and caregiver educational information covering a wide variety of life experiences across the lifespan.

Why are Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) Important and Why do People Need Help?

CHDs are the most common birth defect. Approximately 1 in every 110 infants are born each year with a CHD - that is about 40,000 babies a year in the US alone! CHDs are the most common birth defect in America.

Up to 2 million Americans have a CHD. Approximately one half of these individuals are under the age of 25.

There is no known cause for most heart defects in children. Anyone can have a child with a heart defect. People often assume that the cause of the defects is genetic, but only a few genes have been linked to heart defects.

The presence of a serious CHD often results in an enormous emotional and financial strain. Young families are particularly hard hit at a very vulnerable time. Patient and family education has been shown to be an important part of successful coping.

The Story of Our Local Program

After the initial founders of the fledgling MLH DC group moved away from the DC area, the group became inactive. Then, in 2016, Maryann and Katie revitalized the group with monthly support group meetings, fundraisers, and combined events with Children’s National Medical Center and Inova Children’s Hospital. Now, our coordinator team includes:

  • Maryann: Lead Coordinator & Mended Hearts Inc / MLH Representative on the Board of Directors; mom to Joseph (5), Transposition of the Great Arteries

  • Katie: Support Group Leader; mom of Will (11), David (9), & heart hero Charlie (6), HLHS

  • Kristin: Education Coordinator; mom of two - heart princess Mazzy (3), HLHS and Heterotaxy, and son Kerrsen (2)

  • Laura: FUNdraising Coordinator; mom to heart hero Lincoln (3.5), Tetralogy of Fallot and Pulmonary Atresia

  • Renelle: FUNdraising & Playdate Coordinator and husband Joe, Website/IT Coordinator: parents to Elijah (8) & heart hero Smith (6), Tricuspid Atresia 

  • Christina: Bereavement Coordinator; mom of Harleigh (4), Angel son Memphis, Fallon (9 months)

  • Liz: Mended Hearts Inc Executive Committee Board Member and Vice President of Mended Little Hearts; mom of Sam (19) & heart hero Zach (16), Epstein's Anomaly, Pulmonary Atresia, and ASDs

In 2018, MLH DC won the Mended Little Hearts Group Excellence Award! Each year, Mended Little Hearts honors a local chapter that has significant activities and community engagement. We were honored to be recognized for all our hard work and are always looking to continue to focus on our mission in new ways.