Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defect. Twice as many children die from CHDs each year than all forms of childhood cancer combined.

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the upper two chambers of the heart. Larger holes can increase risk of serious health issues.
ABOUT
Hole in the Heart was founded by Bob and Sandra Fahrlender after their own son was discovered to have a congenital heart defect in his teenage years. After his diagnosis, the Fahrlenders discovered there was limited research on holes in the heart and inadequate heart screenings for congenital heart defects in children and young adults.
OUR MISSION
Promote awareness of the different types of holes in the heart and congenital heart defects and how they are affecting adolescents and young adults.
Create partnerships between primary care providers and specialists to help detect holes in the heart and other congenital heart defects earlier in life.
Advocate best practices for the detection and diagnosis of congenital heart defects.
DONATE
We encourage you to help Hole in the Heart promote awareness of holes in the heart and congenital heart defects, along with supporting our CHD programs – Hole in the Heart CHD ECHO program & CONGENITAL Heart Defect FORUM. Our CHD programs create partnerships between health care professionals and advocate best practices for the detection and diagnosis of congenital heart defects.



Hole in the Heart is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (EIN/tax ID number: 85-3439156). Your donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
OUR ESSENTIAL PARTNERS

IN RECOGNITION

