Lila’s Fund honors the inspiring legacy of Lila June Kelley, a brave Heart Warrior whose journey with congenital heart defects at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital touched countless lives. Diagnosed with 3 very complex congenital heart defects prenatally at 20 weeks alongside mosaic trisomy 16, Lila was born on May 13, 2023, and underwent her first open-heart surgery at just one month old. She fought valiantly for four months through critical illness, hospital stays at Mott, and support from Ronald McDonald House Charities, but passed away surrounded by her loving family—the Kelleys.
In her memory, Lila’s Fund was established in 2023 to provide love, hope & Support,to families caring for hospitalized children at RMHC West Michigan and Ann Arbor. Support including $50 gift cards to families at RMHC (as funds are available) along with donations of essiental wish list itmes and swaddles to C.S Mott PCTU floor. Learn more about Lila’s full story and our impact at lilasfund.org.
This year, I’m walking with extra purpose as The Children’s Heart Foundation celebrates 30 incredible years of funding research that saves lives and changes futures. My commitment to making a difference—fueled by Lila’s courage—has led me to participate in the Congenital Heart Walk, an event that carries immense significance for me—especially knowing that for three decades, CHF has been the leading force behind the treatments and surgical advances that help children with congenital heart defects thrive.
It’s not just a walk; it’s a stride toward the next 30 years of hope. This endeavor is all about supporting The Children’s Heart Foundation's crucial mission—advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects through groundbreaking research that improves survival rates, reduces complications, and helps Heart Warriors celebrate more birthdays than ever before.
I warmly invite you to become a part of this milestone journey by supporting my fundraising efforts for Lila’s Fund. Together, we can raise the funds essential to continue the life-saving research that turns heartbreak into hope. Your contribution holds immeasurable value to me and to every family who needs CHF's support.
Thank you for your generosity, and for standing beside me in this mission. Your support means the world.
