Meet our Heart Heroes! Visit our Heart Hero Hall of Fame Page!
VCF ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY CHATS!
STARTING JAN 2025- FAMILY CHATS
STARTING FEB 2025- ADULTS WITH CHD CHATS
STARTING FEB 2025- ADULTS WITH CHD CHATS
Join a group of other parents and caregivers of children with CHD.
Share success, ask questions, and learn from each other!
Email us to with topic ideas and to sign up for more info today! Director@victoriaciarafound.org
STARTING FEB 2025- ADULTS WITH CHD CHATS
STARTING FEB 2025- ADULTS WITH CHD CHATS
STARTING FEB 2025- ADULTS WITH CHD CHATS
Share topics and sign up to participate- email us at
GET WELL SOON HEART HEROES! Sensitve Photos
Lucas
Lucas
Lucas
We found out at 20 weeks Lucas would be born with a heart defect. It wasn't until much later we found out how severe it would be and everything he would have to overcome. Lucas was born with Single Ventricle with Unbalanced Atrioventricular Canal Defect, Dextro-transposition of the Great Arteries, Hypoplasia of the Aortic Arch, and severe valve regurgitation. What was supposed to be one open heart surgery quickly turned into a three-stage procedure: The Norwood, Glenn, and Fontain. He has his first surgery, The Norwood, at 5 days old and has been hospitalized from birth. Lucas is now 4 months old and has not been able to come home yet. He recently had the Glenn procedure-and we are hoping to have him home soon.
-Shared by Lucas's Mom
Jaina
Lucas
Lucas
Jaiana just received a mechanical valve this past week after her previous valve failed. She is recovering well and is looking forward to going home as soon as she can! Jaiana is one tough cookie, and we wish her a speedy recover so she can be home with her furry best friends!
We thank our families for sharing post-op photos. As they aren't always easy to see, it is important that we raise awareness to what our babies, children, moms, dads, siblings, and loved ones must endure.
VCF will use a sensitive photo notice when appropriate.
OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
TO ENHANCE THE LIVES OF THOSE IMPACTED BY
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
WE PROVIDE:
-Financial Assistance for families and individuals impacted by CHD.
-Wellness Assistance in the form of:
connections to resources, mentoring opportunities, gift cards for "date nights", and vouchers for massages/yoga classes.
-Scholarships for high school student
TO ENHANCE THE LIVES OF THOSE IMPACTED BY
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
WE PROVIDE:
-Financial Assistance for families and individuals impacted by CHD.
-Wellness Assistance in the form of:
connections to resources, mentoring opportunities, gift cards for "date nights", and vouchers for massages/yoga classes.
-Scholarships for high school students with a CHD diagnosis.
-Campaigns that provide items to help those who are hospitalized in a CHD cardiac unit. Parents/caregivers are included as well!
-Educational and socialization zoom sessions.
WHAT IS CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE (CHD)?
Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect in the United States. It is the presence of a cardiac defect that develops prior to birth. Many babies require multiple surgeries within their first few years of life. Most individuals require lifelong specialized cardiac care.
ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
Victoria was born in 1997 with several heart defects that required four open heart surgeries with the last one occurring in July of 2021.
The emotional and financial toll of this journey was, at times, overwhelming.
The lessons learned along the way inspired Victoria and her parents to launch a foundation to help other CHD families and a
Victoria was born in 1997 with several heart defects that required four open heart surgeries with the last one occurring in July of 2021.
The emotional and financial toll of this journey was, at times, overwhelming.
The lessons learned along the way inspired Victoria and her parents to launch a foundation to help other CHD families and adults connect with each other, find therapeutic resources, and pay for the financial needs that accompany hospital stays and on-going medical testing.
The Victoria Ciara Foundation also works to increase awareness of congenital heart disease; specifically around its prevalence, the impact it has on patients and their families, and how it differs from acquired heart disease and other childhood medical conditions.
TRANSPARENCY AND GOOD STEWARDSHIP ARE IMPORTANT TO US
-Our organization is currently run by all volunteers.
-Our 990 can be found at Tax Exempt Organization Search Details | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
-Our Tax ID # is 87-3434529.
2023 IMPACT REPORT
Board members
2023-2024 Board Members
Stephen Hegeman, Sr.-Board President
Jim Sproul- Treasurer
Martha Nealer- Secretary
Tracy Cianci- Trustee
Victoria Hegeman- Trustee
Martha Nealer- Trustee
Erik Cianci- Trustee
Maryann Toomey- Trustee
Jenn Parisi- Trustee
Maggie Vaughan- Trustee
Tammy Wetzel- Trustee
Sheree Woodington- Trustee
Sponsors
