Skip to content

Children’s Heart Disease

World-Class Care Today. Tomorrow, a Cure.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting nearly one in every 100 children. As a national leader in pediatric heart surgery and transplant, the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford helps kids with CHD thrive. Through our groundbreaking Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) Initiative, we’re working tirelessly to uncover the root causes of CHD so we can develop better treatments—and, ultimately, find cures. Donor support will help bring revolutionary solutions to children at every step in their journeys.

Two-year-old heart patient with her social worker

open-heart surgeries performed per year

500+

transplants—more than any other California hospital

48 states

Patients come from all over the U.S. + 9 countries

The Future of Treating Pediatric Heart Disease

Get a sneak peek at the pathbreaking work being done through Stanford's Basic Science and Engineering Initiative using artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and gene editing to transform the future of care for kids with heart disease.

Our Pediatric Heart Leaders

Dr. Anne Dubin is chief of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology and director of the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center. Known for her innovative and collaborative approach, Dr. Dubin leads impactful research on childhood heart issues such as abnormal heartbeat, heart failure, and heart disease.

Dr. Frank Hanley, chief pediatric heart surgeon, does the extraordinary: He gives a second chance at life to babies and kids with serious and oftentimes life-threatening heart defects. His revolutionary surgical technique has replaced years of interventions with a single surgery.

Dr. Marlene Rabinovitch leads our Basic Science and Engineering (BASE) research program. Along with her multidisciplinary team of world-class scientists, engineers, and heart experts, Rabinovitch has the goal of curing congenital heart disease in her lifetime.

Nataly with her mom and brother

Born a Fighter

At just 1 week old, Nataly had to undergo not one, but two life-saving surgeries. Throughout her lengthy hospital stay, her entire family felt looked after and loved.

A young heart patient smiling

The Collective Power of Our Donor Community

Our compassionate, engaged, and forward-thinking donors are at the heart of every moment of our success. With their support, the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center has made an immeasurable impact on kids and their families, received national recognition for excellence in clinical care, and fueled immense growth in groundbreaking research dedicated to finding a cure for childhood heart disease.

These achievements are just the beginning of what we can accomplish together. We will go further and discover more because of your confidence and trust in our team to build the most innovative and compassionate program of its kind. Every gift matters.

Helping Kids with Heart Disease Thrive

Expand Life-Saving Programs

Our Fetal Cardiology program screens pregnant moms, trains physicians to deliver a difficult diagnosis with compassion, and provides families with resources to prepare for life with a baby who has heart disease.

Invest in Innovation

We’re using artificial intelligence—developed in partnership with the Stanford School of Engineering—to prevent complications, improve outcomes, and get kids home faster. 

Provide Care and Comfort

We provide comprehensive care for kids with heart disease so they can get necessary therapies and support as they grow. This includes social and emotional services as well as family assistance for lodging, food, and transportation while a child is in treatment.  

Six-year-old heart patient in front of hospital

Help Kids with Heart Disease

Your generosity will support our rapidly growing clinical programs and groundbreaking research initiatives.

Make an Impact

Pediatric Cancer

Support exceptional care, clinical trials, and pathways to cures.

Read More

Mothers & Babies

Advance care for high-risk moms and babies—and for all families.

Read More

Health Equity

Ensure equitable care and outcomes for kids in our community and beyond.

Read More

More Giving Opportunities

Learn how you can directly impact children’s lives.

Read More

Make a Difference for Kids with Heart Disease

Kelly Abundo, Director of Development, Heart Campaign