A recent fundraiser at the Club at Lake Sinclair raised more than $30,000 to support research and assistance for children with congenital heart defects (CHD). This event was organized by the Brett Boyer Foundation, established in 2017 by Bo and Ellen Boyer in memory of their daughter, Brett, who passed away after battling CHD.
Owen Monroe, now four years old, is one of the many children whose lives have been positively impacted by the foundation. He received a partial heart transplant at just 17 days old, a pioneering procedure that has since helped over 35 children survive similar conditions. Ellen Boyer, who serves as the foundation’s president, shared her emotional connection to Owen, stating, “It’s amazing. I feel like it’s such a tender mercy from God that I get to continue to parent Brett in this way.”
The Boyers, originally from Washington and Hancock counties, created the foundation after experiencing the profound loss of their daughter, who was diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome and CHD. After enduring two open-heart surgeries, Brett’s condition worsened, leading to her untimely death. Ellen expressed that finding purpose through their grief motivated them to ensure that other families wouldn’t have to suffer the same fate.
“We knew that if I didn’t find some good to come from this, it would have completely consumed me,” Ellen said. The foundation provides care packages, financial assistance for medical bills, and mental health support for families affected by CHD. It also promotes awareness that CHD is the most common birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in 100 births worldwide.
The recent event, coordinated by Ellen and her aunt Dianne Chamblee, attracted around 175 attendees. Chamblee initiated the idea of a local fundraiser, which was enthusiastically supported by Joni Smith, CEO of the Club at Lake Sinclair. Smith noted, “It just breaks your heart. But the Boyers have turned it around and made an impact in helping others.”
Held in February to coincide with Valentine’s Day, the event featured activities such as “Putting for Purses,” raffles, and an auction. Notable prizes included a guitar signed by country artist Luke Bryan and two concert tickets for the upcoming Luke Bryan-Jason Aldean concert, which helped raise an additional $2,100. Smith expressed pride in the event’s success, stating, “For a first-time event, I was very proud. It was a festive night, but it was also a serious night.”
A poignant moment of the evening came when a video titled “Battle On,” narrated by Bryan, was screened. The video depicted children who have undergone multiple heart surgeries, referred to as “Heart Warriors.” The foundation encourages others to recognize the battles these children face, stating, “If you want to earn the title of ‘warrior,’ you have to go through the battle.”
Ellen reflected on the emotional challenges of advocating for CHD awareness. “There are definitely hard parts about being in this world, day in, and day out. I don’t get to have a day that I don’t talk about CHD. But it’s not lost on me about how blessed I am that I do get to talk about Brett every day,” she said.
The success of the fundraiser highlights the growing support for the Brett Boyer Foundation’s mission. As the Boyers continue to navigate their grief, they remain committed to honoring Brett’s legacy and helping families affected by congenital heart defects. To contribute to their efforts, donations can be made through their website: thebrettboyerfoundation.org.
