A community fundraiser held in Milledgeville, Georgia, has successfully raised over $30,000 to support research and resources for children affected by congenital heart defects (CHD). The event was organized by the Brett Boyer Foundation, founded by Bo and Ellen Boyer, following the loss of their daughter, Brett Boyer, to CHD in 2017.
Brett Boyer inspired significant advancements in pediatric cardiac care, including the first partial heart transplant performed on Owen Monroe when he was just 17 days old. Today, four years later, Owen is thriving, a testament to the progress made in treating this serious condition. Since the foundation’s inception, more than 35 children have received similar transplants, greatly improving their quality of life.
Ellen Boyer, president of the foundation, expressed her profound connection to the children helped by the organization. “I’ve gotten to hold like nine of the kids who had the partial heart transplants. I’m very close to Owen, who had the first one. It’s amazing,” she said. “I feel like it’s such a tender mercy from God that I get to continue to parent Brett in this way. I get to see her legacy continue.”
The Boyers, originally from Washington and Hancock counties, have family ties in central Georgia. After facing the challenges of caring for Brett, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome and CHD, they resolved to prevent other families from undergoing similar heartache. This commitment led to the establishment of the Brett Boyer Foundation, which has since funded nearly $5 million for CHD research.
The foundation aims to support families grappling with CHD through financial assistance, mental health support, and care packages. It also focuses on funding research that facilitates innovative treatments, such as partial heart transplants that allow valves to grow with the child, thus reducing the need for repeated surgeries. Moreover, the foundation works to raise awareness about CHD, which is the most common birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in 100 babies.
The recent fundraiser at the Club at Lake Sinclair was catalyzed by Dianne Chamblee, Ellen’s aunt, who approached the venue’s CEO, Joni Smith, about hosting an event. “Dianne is a force in our family. When something needs to get done, she gets it done,” Ellen stated. Smith eagerly agreed to support the cause, recognizing the importance of addressing childhood CHD.
The event, held in February 2024, coincided with Valentine’s Day, a fitting theme given its focus on matters of the heart. Joni Smith generously donated the venue, while local businesses contributed food and other resources to ensure the evening’s success. Approximately 175 people attended, and various activities, including a raffle for a guitar signed by Luke Bryan, helped to boost fundraising efforts.
A standout moment of the evening occurred when concert tickets for a performance by Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean were auctioned off, ultimately raising an additional $2,100. Attendees were moved by a video titled “Battle On,” narrated by Bryan, showcasing the resilience of children undergoing heart surgeries. In it, Bryan poignantly captures the essence of cherishing memories while acknowledging the struggles faced by these young patients.
The Boyer Foundation refers to these children as “Heart Warriors,” celebrating their strength and determination. Ellen Boyer emphasized the ongoing challenges but also the blessings of sharing Brett’s story. “I don’t get to have a day that I don’t talk about CHD. But it’s not lost on me about how blessed I am that I do get to talk about Brett every day. I really try to stay in that frame of mind because I feel so lucky to be her mom,” she said.
The foundation continues to advocate for research and support for families affected by congenital heart defects, encouraging the community to join the fight. Donations can be made through the Brett Boyer Foundation’s website, which serves as a resource for those seeking to contribute to this vital cause.
