Welcome to Hearts of Promise

Hearts of Promise is a non-profit organization established on April 16, 2003 by Tracy and Candace Turner and Candace's parents, Wayne and Carolyn Saunders. Upon returning home following their daughter Holly's second open-heart surgery at Children's Hospital Boston (see Holly's story), they felt the urgent need to raise money for research currently being conducted at Children's Hospital Boston. This research, known as cardiac tissue engineering, could eliminate the need for thousands of children born with congenital heart defects from having to undergo valve replacement surgeries throughout their lifetimes. Children, like Holly, who have undergone valve replacement surgery will require multiple heart surgeries since their donor valves or mechanical valves will deteriorate over time or will be outgrown.

Researchers are hoping to one day grow arteries and valves from a child’s own tissue. This research holds great promise, and many advances have been made. Since the tissue would come from the child’s own body there would no longer be the need for multiple valve replacements, as the valve would grow with the child and would not be rejected by the body. All donations received by Hearts of Promise and all funds raised through our events go to this research being conducted at Children’s Hospital Boston by Dr. John Mayer and his research team. Dr. Mayer and others from Children’s Hospital Boston have devoted their lives to this research. Dr. Mayer feels they are five years away from clinical trials and is very encouraged by the advances they have made.

Not only is it the mission of Hearts of Promise to raise funds for this important research, but we also provide support to families who have been affected by congenital heart defects. It is important for families to know that they are not alone and that there is hope.

Hearts of Promise

P.O. Box 681070

Prattville, AL 36068

To contact us:

Phone: 334-361-0071

E-mail: promise@heartsofpromise.org

Upcoming Event

Hearts of Promise Mini-Golf Tournament

Hearts of Promise will be hosting a mini-golf tournament (putt-putt golf) on Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at Emerald Falls in Prattville. We are very excited about this event. We feel it will be a lot of fun for the children, as well as raise funds for research for the treatment of congenital heart defects. The registration fee for this event is $10.00.

Children of all ages are invited to attend. Awards or prizes will be given in each age bracket for top scores, most holes in one, and most money raised. Every child will receive a goody bag, a certificate, and the great feeling that comes from helping others. Refreshments will be served following the tournament.

Children who would like to raise additional money for this important research can do so by asking friends and family to sponsor them in the tournament. This would be done in the same way as in a walk. Sponsor forms are available here. There will also be a silent auction. If you know of an individual or business that would like to donate an item to be auctioned off, please let us know. We are also asking for “hole sponsors” for this event. The cost is $35. Any individual, group, organization or business may become a sponsor.

We hope you can join us for this event. The registration form is available here. For more information, see our event page here, or call Candace at 334-361-0071, or email us at promise@heartsofpromise.org.