We strive to inspire hope in patients and families impacted by congenital heart defects, as well as the medical practitioners that care for them, through the funding of groundbreaking research, global collaboration, and holistic well-being initiatives. Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati (CHAoC) is a nonprofit, philanthropic foundation, established in 1940 (originally named Children’s Heart Association of Cincinnati). The CHAoC works diligently to raise funding to help overcome congenital heart defects (CHDs), with project grants given primarily for precedent-setting research, collaborative information sharing, and acquisition of life-saving equipment. They are loved ones, parents, or grandparents to children born with CHDs, adults surviving with CHDs, and medical professionals who work tirelessly to care for those with CHDs. Thanks in part to the research and programs funded by the CHAoC, the premature death rate for those born with a heart defect has decreased by more than 37% over the past 20 years. Today, an average of 50% of those with CHDs are living healthy, active lives into adulthood. Through early diagnosis and follow-up care, the overall cardiac health of those living with CHDs has improved greatly. However, there is much work remaining to help more children and adults overcome CHDs. With half of babies born with CHDs still likely to lose their lives during childhood, the CHAoC’s fight continues — at full swing.
