Hearts of Promise is a non-profit organization, which was established on April 16, 2003 by Tracy and Candace Turner and Candace's parents, Wayne and Carolyn Saunders. The mission of Hearts of Promise is to raise funds for research, known as cardiac tissue engineering, currently conducted by Dr. John Mayer at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Mayer and his research team are nearing clinical trials for technology to grow heart valves from a child’s own tissue so that the valves will grow with the child’s body and will not calcify over time, thus eliminating the need for multiple open-heart surgeries.

Hearts of Promise is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax-deductible.  Dr. Mayer and his team are nearing clinical trials, but more funding is needed to help this technology become a reality. Although congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, occurring in nearly 1 in every 100 births in the United States, research into the treatment of congenital heart defects is extremely underfunded. Through the generosity and support of many, Hearts of Promise has donated over $200,000 to date for this life-changing research and is dedicated to continue to raise funds until cardiac tissue engineering of heart valves becomes a reality. All donations are tax-deductible and 100% of all funds received goes directly to Dr. John Mayer and his research team at Boston Children’s Hospital. 

You may donate by clicking on the “donate” button on the left, or by mailing your donation to: Hearts of Promise, P.O. Box 681070, Prattville, AL 36068.

Washington-Holmes Technical Center (WHTC) Nursing Instructors and Students pictured with Dr. Mayer

          Hearts of Promise Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.
              Hearts of Promise is classified as a tax exempt 
                    organization under IRS code 501(c) 3.