A journey of the heart

The girl who inspired Lulu LaRue, Elliot Grace, was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD). At just three days old, she had her first open-heart surgery, followed by her second five months later, and her third at only two and a half years old. Elliot’s strength through recovery and passion for life and travel remind us to live every day to the fullest and to always keep exploring, but we know it’s not an opportunity that all children with congenital heart defects have. We’ve made it our mission to continue raising funds and awareness for CHDs to help those impacted by it, and hope you’ll join us in our support of the amazing charities and organizations fighting this disease.

Did you know…

  • Congenital heart defects are the most common cause of infant death due to birth defects.

  • 25% of babies born with a complex CHD will not see their 1st birthday.

  • Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect in the United States. Nearly one of every 110 babies is born with a CHD.

  • Each year approximately 40,000 babies are born in the United States with a congenital heart defect. This equates to one child every 15 minutes.

Our favorite heart charities:

Cortney Gives BAK
Led by a heart warrior who lives with half-a-heart, The Cortney Gives BAK Foundation is dedicated to funding congenital heart defect (CHD) research from all over the country. Donate to Elliot’s team HERE.

Children’s Heart Foundation
The Children's Heart Foundation is the country's leading organization solely dedicated to funding congenital heart defect (CHD) research. 

Benderson Family Heart Center
The Boston Children's Benderson Family Heart Center treats the full spectrum of heart disorders, including the rarest and most complex congenital heart defects. Their incredible team provided care for all three of Elliot’s open heart surgeries.