What is CHD?

A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a defect in the structure of the heart and great vessels which is present at birth. Many types of heart defects exist, most of which either obstruct blood flow in the heart or vessels near it, or cause blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal pattern.

Heart defects are among the most common birth defects and are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths. Causes for congenital heart defects can be genetic, environmental, or both.

Treatment for children who have a CHD does not end with surgeries or medication while they’re young. Children who have heart defects need to see a cardiologist for the rest of their lives. They also need to remain mindful of their heart problems as their CHD could have complications, such as difficulty with pregnancy, increased risk of heart tissue infection (endocarditis), heart failure or heart valve problems.

A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a defect in the structure of the heart and great vessels which is present at birth. Many types of heart defects exist, most of which either obstruct blood flow in the heart or vessels near it, or cause blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal pattern.

Heart defects are among the most common birth defects and are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths. Causes for congenital heart defects can be genetic, environmental, or both.

Treatment for children who have a CHD does not end with surgeries or medication while they’re young. Children who have heart defects need to see a cardiologist for the rest of their lives. They also need to remain mindful of their heart problems as their CHD could have complications, such as difficulty with pregnancy, increased risk of heart tissue infection (endocarditis), heart failure or heart valve problems.

Learn More

Run For Little Hearts has raised over 

$150,000 over the last 7 years!

100% of Annual Race Proceeds Donated!

Proceeds benefit the CHD BABIES Fund for CHD Research at Children’s Mercy Hospital and the CHD Families Inpatient Fund at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Proceeds also benefit Little Light Foundation. 

Learn More

Shop now for the softest CHD AWARENESS APPAREL designed by CHD Babies!

100% of sales proceeds are donated!

Our Previous Races

A HUGE Thank You To Our Race Partners!