HeartGift provides life-saving congenital heart defect surgery to children around the world where specialized medical treatment is either scarce or nonexistent. My sister, Laura, was born with tetralogy of fallot in 1972 and was one of the first babies to be operated on by Dr. Cooley in Houston. Sadly, she passed away after the surgery but her short life left an impact on my family. Trying to understand her death, led me to study and become a nurse. Today, her life would most likely be saved in the United States but this is not the case for all children born in the world.

Globally, 1 in 100 children are born every year with congenital heart defects. Over 90% of these children do not have access to the life-saving medical care they desperately need. HeartGift fills this gap, because where a child lives should not determine whether they live.

These babies are often referred to as "Blue Babies" due to the poor blood perfusion that happens when the heart does not pump properly. In her memory, I am painting a gallery-worth of animals painted mostly in blue. The show is called "Blue Heartstrings" and will open September 5, 2026 at Archway Gallery (2305 Dunlavy, Houston, TX 77006). A portion of the proceeds from the sale, along with prints, and a book, will go to HeartGift but if you would like to give ahead of the event, please donate today.