Research

With more research effective treatments can be found and babies who are born with a heart defect will be able to lead normal healthy lives.

Toys for Nicholas raises funds for Congenital Heart Defect research projects. We are most interested in projects that will improve the quality of life for children and adults with a congenital heart defect.

We are currently helping to fund a project titled: Home Surveillance and Feeding Strategies In Infants With Complex Single Ventricle.

We are now raising funds for a new developmental delays research project; we have a goal to raise $800,000. This project will test school age children (6-13 years old) and identify any learning disabilities they may have. Children with heart defects who require cardiac surgery as infants have a significantly higher incidence of developmental delays, learning difficulties, problems with inattention and hyperactivity, and other related issues. Because of advances in medical technology, children with CHD are living longer lives. This is a good thing, but we are now seeing these children experiencing developmental challenges that had not been documented before. As these children get older, the need for special services in school is significantly increased compared to the general population. Often these kids do not get the assistance they need through state-funded programs in schools.  These children may have IQ scores within the average range, but IQ tests do not capture many of the learning disabilities and other specific problems they face.

The results of this project will lead to higher education standards and increased enrollment into school programs. Our goal is to give these kids a chance to lead normal happy lives.