Bringing families together to heal hearts
Callie’s Giving Heart Foundation was started in 2022 by Cameron and Kristen Ruffer after the passing of their daughter, Callie. The mission is to support families financially, fund research related to congenital heart defects, and educate others about congenital heart defects.
The Ruffer Family knows the heartache and stress that comes with having a child born with a rare Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). Their daughter Callie was one of 40,000 babies born each year in the U.S. with CHD. It’s one of the most common causes of birth defect-related infant deaths.
Callie’s CHD, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, was diagnosed in 2018. Many surgeries and hospital stays would follow over the next 3 years and so would a growing pile of medical, travel, lodging, food, and other related expenses.
Callie was a true girly girl. She loved having her nails painted, bows in her hair, playing with babies, and most of all she loved Peppa Pig! Callie loved singing (specifically baba black sheep), dancing, and doing everything just like her big brother. Throughout her entire life, she was so strong and so brave! She had the most infectious smile and would light up the whole room.
Sadly, Callie’s battle came to an end in 2021 at just 3 years old. But there’s more to Callie’s story. Inspired by their daughter’s brave battle, her big-hearted love, and a strong desire to help other CHD families facing similar situations to their own, Callie’s Giving Heart Foundation was born.