$1 Million gift will further research about congenital heart defects

INDIANAPOLIS (April 15, 2026) - Twenty-five years ago, Melissa St. John lost her 16-month-old daughter Madelynn due to complications from 10 heart defects. Today Melissa’s decades-long work to honor her daughter has resulted in a $1 million gift to the American Heart Association to fund research about congenital heart defects (CHDs). In 2001, St. John, the president and CEO of Relocation Strategies, helped create the Legacy of Life Endowment with the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. More than 160 donors contributed to the fund, and the fund has already paid out more than $360,000 toward CHD research. Today the fund released the remaining $1,028,000 balance to be used immediately for additional CHD research. “I was blessed with 16 months with Madelynn, a precious gift that would not have been possible without previous research,” St. John said. “My mission for the past 25 years has been to fight for more research for congenital heart defects so that other families and their precious babies have a better chance at survival. I’m grateful for the efforts of so many researchers who have been funded by the American Heart Association as well as to the many people who supported this endowment over the past 25 years. It’s so meaningful to me that we surpassed the $1 million milestone, and that we can remember and honor Madelynn in this way.” St. John will be recognized as a “Caretaker of the Torch” April 24 at the American Heart Association’s Indianapolis Heart & Stroke Ball. In addition to the endowment, she has supported the Association’s Go Red for Women movement, Hard Hats with Heart campaign and the Heart & Stroke Ball . According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 40,000 babies are born each year with a heart defect. 1 in 4 of those are considered critical, generally requiring surgery within the first year. Survival and medical care for babies with critical heart defects are improving. Because of advancements made through research, death rates from congenital heart disease in the U.S. have declined by nearly 37.5% since 1999. [1] “We’re truly grateful to Melissa for her many years dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help others, especially children,” said Terri Ruff, chair of the Association’s Indianapolis board of directors. “As an organization committed to bringing health and hope for everyone, I know these funds will make a tremendous impact for years to come.” ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. [1] https://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/about-chds/chd-facts.html