A recent fundraiser in Milledgeville, Georgia, has successfully raised over $30,000 to support research and family assistance for children with congenital heart defects (CHD). The event, held at the Club at Lake Sinclair, was organized by the Brett Boyer Foundation, which was established in 2017 to honor the legacy of Brett Boyer, who passed away from CHD.
The foundation, led by Brett’s parents, Bo and Ellen Boyer, has made significant strides in raising awareness and funding for CHD research. Since its inception, the organization has allocated nearly $5 million for various initiatives aimed at improving care for children affected by this condition.
Ellen Boyer expressed her gratitude for the support received through the foundation, saying, “I’ve gotten to hold like nine of the kids who had the partial heart transplants. I feel like it’s such a tender mercy from God that I get to continue to parent Brett in this way.” The foundation’s efforts have resulted in over 35 children receiving partial heart transplants, allowing them to thrive into childhood.
The Boyers’ journey began when their first child, Brett, was diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome and CHD. Despite undergoing two open-heart surgeries, she succumbed after seven months. Following her death, the Boyers felt compelled to create positive change, leading to the founding of the Brett Boyer Foundation. They received support from relatives and friends, including country singer Luke Bryan and his wife, who have been instrumental in promoting the foundation’s cause.
The foundation’s goals include providing care packages and financial assistance to families, funding innovative research for heart surgeries, and raising awareness about the prevalence of CHD, which affects 1 in 100 babies born. The organization promotes inclusion and celebrates the Down syndrome community, striving to make a meaningful impact on families facing similar challenges.
The recent fundraiser, facilitated by Dianne Chamblee, a family member of Ellen Boyer, showcased the community’s dedication to the cause. Chamblee collaborated with Joni Smith, CEO of the Club at Lake Sinclair, to organize the event, which featured various activities to engage attendees. Smith noted, “It just breaks your heart. But the Boyers have turned it around and made an impact in helping others.”
The event attracted around 175 participants, who contributed to the fundraiser through activities such as “Putting for Purses” and a raffle featuring items like a guitar signed by Luke Bryan. One of the most memorable moments occurred when Chamblee drew the name of her 97-year-old mother-in-law as the winner of concert tickets for an upcoming Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean show. The auction for these tickets alone raised an additional $2,100.
The evening also included a poignant video titled “Battle On,” narrated by Luke Bryan. This powerful piece highlighted the struggles and triumphs of children who have undergone heart surgeries, emphasizing the resilience required to navigate such challenges.
Ellen Boyer acknowledged the emotional weight of her work, stating, “I don’t get to have a day that I don’t talk about CHD. But it’s not lost on me how blessed I am that I do get to talk about Brett every day.” The impact of the foundation is evident, as it continues to provide hope and support to other families affected by CHD.
For those wishing to contribute to the ongoing fight against congenital heart defects, donations can be made through the Brett Boyer Foundation’s website: thebrettboyerfoundation.org. As the Boyers advocate for awareness and research, they invite others to join in their mission to improve the lives of children battling heart defects.
