Brian Littrell, a member of Backstreet Boys is a survivor of CHD. He was born with a congenital heart defect called ventricular septal defect (VSD). Brian’s congenital heart defect made him more susceptible to infections. At age 5 he spent 2 months in the hospital due to a bacterial infection and was not expected to live. In his twenties he underwent open-heart surgery at the height of his career with Backstreet Boys to repair his (VSD). He is a walking miracle like so many CHD patients. Heartfelt Dreams Foundation needs your help to continue to bring awareness to congenital heart defects and to help patients with CHD to receive the specialized care and treatment they deserve.
HOLLIS, NH – With golf carts ready to go, a nearly picture-perfect day graced the green at Overlook Golf Course in New Hampshire in support of The Heartfelt Dreams Foundation.
Heartfelt Dreams Foundation was established based upon the inspiration of its founder, Eric Ankerud, and his wife Lori, who is one of the very early patients to survive childhood open heart surgery for a complex congenital heart defect. She has thrived living with this condition through adulthood major heart reconstructive surgery. We hope that through the sharing of her inspirational story and the stories of others, Heartfelt Dreams Foundation will make a difference in the lives of congenital heart defect patients.
Virtual patient support forums hosted by Heartfelt Dreams Foundation will be taking place regularly. Heart Within a Heart Caring Connections forums provide congenital heart defect patients and families the opportunity to share their experiences and comfort each other as they learn to live with their life-long conditions.
Heartfelt Dreams Foundation is determined to provide emotional support and financial assistance to congenital heart defect patients while working with leaders in cardiac care to advance medical knowledge in an effort to benefit these patients.
Dr. Doreen Defaria Yeh currently serves as the Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, Associate Director for the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program and the Co-Director of the Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy Service at the Massachusetts General Hospital Corrigan-Minnehan Heart Center. She is an active clinical cardiologist, clinical investigator and educator.
Heartfelt Dreams Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the treatment experience for congenital heart defect patients and their families through emotional, educational, and financial support, while advancing CHD awareness and education within the medical community.
Heartfelt Dreams Foundation strives to see every CHD patient lead a long, healthy, meaningful life. We are committed to becoming the premier nationwide charitable organization that facilitates greater access to care and treatment for CHD patients of all ages and strengthens the network of specialty heart centers and physicians across the country.
We are dedicated to providing emotional and financial support to congenital heart defect patients, young and old, and their families. We hope through our financial support to improve the quality of life and healthcare for patients living with congenital heart defects.
Supporting the advancement of patient and medical professional knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects. Presenting a live webinar series in collaboration with the Massachusetts General Hospital Corrigan-Minnehan Heart Center. Sponsoring medical education programs for cardiology fellows and cardiologists.
Congenital heart defect patients, families, and friends are invited to share their stories of hope and happiness and be recognized as a Heartfelt Dreams Hero. Through this effort, our Foundation hopes to inspire a greater understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects and improve the lives of those dealing with this lifelong condition.
Heartfelt Dreams Foundation is pleased to be able to provide an annual academic scholarship to a very deserving nurse or nursing student as they pursue advancing their careers in cardiac nursing to better care for congenital heart defect patients. We are also supporting an endowed cardiac nursing scholarship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Heartfelt Dreams Foundation is proud to announce its Advanced Cardiology Fellows Grant that will award $5,000 in financial assistance to a deserving advanced cardiology fellow as they pursue medical training in cardiology and critical care skills to better treat congenital heart defect patients.
Quilt to Care is a compassionate program established in recognition that quilt-making honors the past, embraces the present, and guides the future. Our quilts are intended to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to the children and adults living with congenital heart defects.
Current registered nurse at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, CA, awarded $5,000 scholarship to support career advancement in cardiac care Hollis, NH (October 28, 2026) – Heartfelt Dreams Foundation,
Skylar Collins, from the state of Washington, was the first transplant patient that Heartfelt Dreams Foundation supported as he underwent a heart/liver procedure at UCLA Medical Center. We have stayed
Eric Ankerud, Co-Founder of Heartfelt Dreams Foundation, was invited by the Journal of Pediatric Research to contribute an article to the scientific publication issue focused on congenital heart disease. The article was
The Heartfelt Dreams Foundation 6th Annual Charity Golf Classic will be a best ball, scramble-style, 18-hole golf tournament with an 8:30 AM shotgun start. All skill levels are welcomed! During […]
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The Heartfelt Dreams Foundation 5th Annual Charity Golf Classic will be a best ball, scramble-style, 18-hole golf tournament with an 8:30 AM shotgun start. All skill levels are welcomed! During […]
