Changing Hearts. Changing Lives. Working toward a future where those born with single ventricle hearts can live longer, fuller lives.

Miley Kathryn Byrd was born at Duke University Hospital on July 27, 2022. She entered the world a warrior and fought Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome courageously for 21 months. She underwent three open heart surgeries and countless heart catheterizations at Duke. On February 13, 2024 Miley began experiencing distressing symptoms and was admitted to the PCICU with heart failure. She was listed for a heart transplant, received excellent care from the PCICU staff and fought as hard as she possibly could, with grace and such bravery. On May 5, 2024 Miley received her perfect heart in heaven.

This research fund is in memory of Miley and her courageous champion spirit. It is our hope that we can raise significant monies for Single Ventricle Research at Duke University Hospital that make lasting impacts on future patients diagnosed with single ventricle heart defects. We are passionate about finding solutions to many of the issues single ventricle heart warriors face. 

"WHERE DOES MY DONATION GO?"

When you donate to the Miracle Miley Research Fund, you are supporting various projects that could include:

•       Determine developmental causes of hypoplastic left heart syndrome with aim towards targeted therapy potentially preventing disease 
•       Determine why heart failure progresses in some with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and not others 
o       Focused efforts on high-risk patients with Glenn circulation, expanded home monitoring for this cohort
•       Feeding tube weaning protocol development and research, collaboration with Pediatric Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Clinic and Single Ventricle Program - utilizing registry data
•       Heart failure drug trials in single ventricle - Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
•       Trial of pulmonary hypertension medications