Welcome to Conquering CHD - Illinois

At Conquering CHD - Illinois, we exist to conquer the most common birth defect. We engage, listen, learn, and act. We create visibility and empower all impacted by CHD. We accomplish this through awareness, knowledge, community, and research.

*This State Chapter has received the 2019 Excellence Award for outstanding performance in support of our mission.

Hospital Navigator

Host a Care Package Drive

Packing for a Hospital Stay

Who we are

What we do

Transition Checklist

About Us

Through our State Chapters we are able to give knowledge, give a voice and give hope, directly meeting the comprehensive, lifelong needs of patients with congenital heart disease and their families through awareness, knowledge, community, and research programming.
Local activities include:

Conquering CHD Kits offering critical information and a personal connection for patients with CHD of all ages through individualized care packages
Online chat networks bringing people with similar experiences together
In-person peer support offering patients and families encouragement and insight from someone who has walked a similar path
Social events providing a safe environment to celebrate life and simple joys together
Physician education improving understanding of congenital heart disease from the patient and family perspective
Research promotion and participation helping promising developments become reality
Advocacy activities sharing our stories to improve federal research funding

Get Connected

For more information about the Illinois chapter, email illinois@conqueringchd.org. Join our online chat networks to connect with individuals and families with similar experiences:

Conquering CHD - Illinois Chat Group

Spanish Chat - Estamos Conquistando CHD

Conquering CHD for Teens/Adults

Bereaved Hearts of Illinois

Find us on Social Media:

Local Resources

Upcoming Events and Activities

CCHD-IL Virtual Meet & Greet: Learn About Child Life Services
Date: March 04, 2021 7:00 pm Location: Virtual Event

Did you know that a child life specialist can help you before, during, and after your hospital stay? During inpatient and outpatient appointments? Join us as Child life specialist Lauren Meyer tells us all the things child life services can do for you and your family! Open to all!

Give

Conquering CHD-Illinois is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Our tax exempt or EIN number is 81-5401105. For additional documentation of our tax exempt status, please contact illinois@conqueringchd.org.

You can learn more about our organization in our GuideStar profile.

Please give generously to support our state chapter activities!

Give to Conquering CHD - Illinois

Meet the Illinois Volunteer Board

Chapter President - Karen Grossich
Chapter Vice President - Shuntae Williams
Chapter Treasurer - Kate Pogorzelski
Chapter Secretary - Maria Weller
Chapter Events Coordinator - Ashley Ruud
Chapter Teen/Adult Coordinators - Carol Raimondi & Teresa Quarino
Chapter Inventory Coordinator - Katie O'Kelly
Chapter Volunteer Coordinator - Sarah Pekoc

Chapter Bereavement Coordinator - Sarah Shields

Mailing information:

Conquering CHD - Illinois
P.O. Box 1094
Elgin, IL 60121

Conquering CHD Stories

Beyond the Heart – Nauman’s Story

Adult patient and medical student, Nauman Shahid, shares what he learned about the way different body systems interact with one another through Medical School and personal experience. Here, he shares the complications that developed with his lungs as a result of his Congenital Heart Disease.

Full Story>