About Jayden DeLuca
Jayden Riley DeLuca was born with a congenital heart condition known as a single ventricle. In the two and a half years, she was with us, she underwent two major open heart surgeries and numerous clinical procedures. However, she was much more than a heart baby to those who knew her.
Jayden was a beacon of joy and determination, whose laughter could light up a room and whose spirit brought people together in the purest of ways. In her two and a half years with us, she taught us the true meaning of love, resilience, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Her legacy lives on through the work we do, driving us to fight for every heartbeat, and bring hope and strength to families facing similar battles. Jayden’s impact is not just in the lives we aim to save, but also in the love and unity that continue to inspire our community.
The Jayden DeLuca Foundation
Dedicated to raising awareness for children’s heart defect and disease — the number one birth defect in the nation — The Jayden DeLuca Foundation is a testament to the life of Jayden Riley DeLuca.
In Jayden’s name, we are dedicated to supporting children and families facing the challenges of congenital heart defects and disease. We are committed to building a better future by providing financial support through our patient assistance fund, building a community of like families through sharing resources and providing encouragement to those navigating pediatric heart conditions and continuing to invest in dedicated heart research programs.
Our efforts create a meaningful impact — advancing medical and scientific research, improving access to treatment and amplifying awareness of cardiac diseases. The technology that might have saved Jayden’s life wasn’t available when we needed it most. This reality fuels our determination to ensure life-saving innovations are accessible to every child who needs them.
With the gracious generosity of our supporters, we continue to drive progress while making a difference for children and families in our community and beyond. The funds we raise directly support pediatric heart research, treatment advancements and community programs, extending Jayden’s light and legacy far into the world.
We are so proud of this work, humbled by the strength of our heart families, and endlessly grateful to everyone who joins us in making a lasting impact.
Congenital Heart Defects & Disease
What We’re Up Against
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Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect, impacting the structure and function of the heart from birth.
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CHDs can affect how the heart beats and how well it supplies blood to the rest of the body. Many require lifelong treatment and care.
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There are over 40 known types of CHDs—some manageable, others critical. The most challenging part? The cause of most CHDs remains unknown, and there is currently no cure.
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CHDs are 60 times more common than childhood cancer, yet they receive significantly less awareness and funding.
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In the U.S., twice as many children die from CHDs each year than from all forms of pediatric cancer combined.
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Despite this, pediatric cancer research receives five times more funding than CHD research.
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CHDs are not rare—they are common, often life-threatening, and widely misunderstood.
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Of every federal dollar spent on medical research, less than one penny goes toward CHD research.
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Since the Jayden DeLuca Foundation was founded in 2008, CHD-related death rates have dropped nearly 30%—thanks to dedicated research, innovation, and a strong community of support.
Babies are born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) in the United States each year.
Congenital Heart Defect & Disease is the most common birth defect in the country.
Babies are born with a heart defect annually in the United States.
Congenital Heart Defect & Disease is 60 times more common than childhood cancer.
There are over 40 known conditions of Congenital Heart Defects, with no known cure.
Nearly 25% of infants with CHDs require life-saving surgery within their first year of life.
Board of Directors:
- Jeremy DeLuca: President of the Board, Father of Jayden, Co-Founder of Bodybuilding.com
- Karalie DeLuca: Secretary of the Board, Mother of Jayden, Owner/Agent of DeLuca Insurance Group
- Tyler Bowen: President/Owner of Rocky Mountain Electric, Father of Heart Hero
- Jon Crozier: General Manager of All Valley Garage Door, Uncle of Jayden
- Ryan DeLuca: CEO of Black Box VR, Co-Founder of Bodybuilding.com, Uncle of Jayden
- Scott Summerlin: Treasurer of the Board, President of Starlifter Wealth Management
- Dr. Michael Womack: Pediatric Cardiologist
Community Board:
- Keri Bowen: Co-Founder Bow Wow Promotions, Mother of Heart Hero, Kynli
- Christopher Bowers: CEO of Urban Idaho, LLC
- Jenna Englund: President of Berkeley Building Co. and Mother of Heart Angel, Mia
- Angela Fish: Business Relationship Officer at ICCU
- Carlie Foster: Attorney and Lobbyist, Mother of Heart Hero, Thomas
- Brent Irving: President/CEO of HUB Insurance Western Division
- Celeste Keller: Former Director of Major and Planned Giving at St. Luke’s Health Foundation
- Larissa Kimball: Gem Vision Co-Owner and Mother of Heart Hero, Dax
- Heidi Minegar: Owner/Agent at Heidi Minegar Real Estate
- Veronica Mycko: Idaho State Brand Manager for Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Gabe Payne: Senior Advisor at St. Luke’s Hospital
Staff:
Marie Bones | Executive Director
marie@jaydendeluca.com
Karalie DeLuca | Co-Founder
karalie@jaydendeluca.com
Elizabeth Mabbutt | Executive Director
elizabeth@jaydendeluca.com