February is American Heart Month – a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and support every child impacted by heart conditions. To kick off this important month, we wanted to share some facts about heart health in kids:

Few people realize how often heart conditions affect kids across the country. Each year thousands of babies will be born in the U.S. with congenital heart disease. And 1 out of 4 of those will have critical congenital heart defects, often requiring difficult surgeries in their first year of life. 

Children facing critical illnesses – like heart disease and other heart conditions – often miss out on a normal childhood. Instead of playdates and sleepovers, they’re going to doctor’s appointments, facing major surgeries and spending time in the hospital. 

But a wish can be transformational for kids and can inspire the hope and strength they need to recover. Not only does it lift their spirits, but it’s been shown to create better long-term health outcomes too.

9-year-old Marshall, facing congenital heart disease, wanted to be a superhero. With the help of Make-A-Wish, he wrote, directed and starred in his own superhero movie, “Marshall Man.” 

5-year-old Valeria loves to sing. After facing heart surgeries, her wish was to sing and perform for friends and family. Her wish came true when she was able to perform at the Concord Pavilion with her sister as a guest star.

5-year-old Connor was born with congenital heart disease. Because of his love of dinosaurs, he wished to visit a museum in Washington, D.C. But when he couldn't travel, Make-A-Wish brought the museum to him with the help of a paleontologist and makeshift dig site.

Wishes can make all the difference for children facing heart conditions like Marshall, Valeria and Connor. But there are so many kids with critical illnesses still waiting for their wish to be granted. 

As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of supporters like you to make these wishes come true. Please, in honor of American Heart Month, will you make a donation now to help grant more life-changing wishes for kids?